Open Source Software Wrap-Up By Lance Faxon

Open Source General History Definitions Patents Cathedral and Bazaar Business Microsoft Models Open v. Proprietary Example Open Source Proprietary Pros and Cons sourceforge

Survey Results about presentation

Survey Results about readings

Conclusions from Answers Many people stated answers that involved small business Many people stated answers that involved small business People seemed to think that open source would become more popular but not overtake Microsoft People seemed to think that open source would become more popular but not overtake Microsoft –I agree

Pros of Open Source and Small Business Pros of Open source in small business Pros of Open source in small business –Cheap –Can be patched and updated –Many choices

Cons of Open Source Software in Small Business Cons of Open source in small business Cons of Open source in small business –Small IT departments mean that companies outsource implementation and maintenance which causes delays –No Knowledge of original creator –Sometimes coders get out of control and code gets hard to use

Should Small Businesses look to Open Source Software? Look at the available options Look at the available options Check the difficulty of use Check the difficulty of use Think about hidden costs Think about hidden costs How large is your IT department? How large is your IT department? Are you willing to accept the risk? Are you willing to accept the risk? Make the decision Make the decision

Questions?