More than just free
In any conversation about the advantages of OpenSource over private development, there are always 2 main arguments.
If everything is clear with the first one, then the second point should be singled out separately. The main synonym for open source software is product security. the code is available to us and we can view it.
And we want not only a safe product, but also a functional one. Therefore, we can write and send a patch to fix something broken or add new features that the main developers do not have time to add.
For small companies, this is not very suitable, if only because cash resources are limited, but does not completely exclude this. Many open source solutions have an extension system that allows you to solve the problem at a lower cost than a patch to the main application branch.
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Medium and large companies have more opportunities. resources, be it monetary or man-hours, for example, as the company's own developers. Many companies expect open source solutions to immediately solve all their problems, and often this is exactly what happens. However, the company forgets that they saved a lot of money (of course, they don’t forget about it, they just don’t like to think about expenses) without paying a license to third-party companies for software. The ability to hire a developer for a portion of the money saved often leaves the company’s field of vision. And practice shows that there are literally a couple of additional features that were available earlier in the paid software. All companies are different and the needs are different and if each such company does something, other such companies will win for themselves and they will do something more for themselves .
One of my companies switched from using MS Exchange and Outlook to open source software and I fully felt everything described above, and all the main functionality works fine, but there are not enough tasty buns. I am not a developer, but I actively help rake bugs in Thunderbird's buggy. Now there are a couple of bugs that do not block the release of TB3, but the developers would be happy to get patches for them. Of these, there are those that interest us and we would like to see them in TB3. Therefore, we are now planning to negotiate with the authorities about the allocation of some money for freelancers who would help with the patch.
New features in new releases - this is the very hidden third point in the debate about what open source software stands out for closed source software. Of course, not everything is always taken to the main branch, but if this is really the right thing, not only you, it will get there. Do not forget about this quality, use it whenever possible.
- Free
- Open source code
If everything is clear with the first one, then the second point should be singled out separately. The main synonym for open source software is product security. the code is available to us and we can view it.
And we want not only a safe product, but also a functional one. Therefore, we can write and send a patch to fix something broken or add new features that the main developers do not have time to add.
For small companies, this is not very suitable, if only because cash resources are limited, but does not completely exclude this. Many open source solutions have an extension system that allows you to solve the problem at a lower cost than a patch to the main application branch.
')
Medium and large companies have more opportunities. resources, be it monetary or man-hours, for example, as the company's own developers. Many companies expect open source solutions to immediately solve all their problems, and often this is exactly what happens. However, the company forgets that they saved a lot of money (of course, they don’t forget about it, they just don’t like to think about expenses) without paying a license to third-party companies for software. The ability to hire a developer for a portion of the money saved often leaves the company’s field of vision. And practice shows that there are literally a couple of additional features that were available earlier in the paid software. All companies are different and the needs are different and if each such company does something, other such companies will win for themselves and they will do something more for themselves .
One of my companies switched from using MS Exchange and Outlook to open source software and I fully felt everything described above, and all the main functionality works fine, but there are not enough tasty buns. I am not a developer, but I actively help rake bugs in Thunderbird's buggy. Now there are a couple of bugs that do not block the release of TB3, but the developers would be happy to get patches for them. Of these, there are those that interest us and we would like to see them in TB3. Therefore, we are now planning to negotiate with the authorities about the allocation of some money for freelancers who would help with the patch.
New features in new releases - this is the very hidden third point in the debate about what open source software stands out for closed source software. Of course, not everything is always taken to the main branch, but if this is really the right thing, not only you, it will get there. Do not forget about this quality, use it whenever possible.
Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/48643/
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