Introduction to Open source software

Open source software (OSS) can be defined as computer software for which the human-readable source code is made available under a copyright license. This permits users to use, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified form. It is often developed in a public, collaborative manner.


Does the open-source development model work for business users?

When using open-source software, businesses usually choose between a free, community-supported version of an application or a fee-based enterprise version that includes support, service, updates and other features.

Business users also have to decide for what purpose they want to use open-source software and how critical it will be to their business processes. Free, community-supported versions are fine for testing or non critical needs, but when the work is mission-critical; users may pay and go for enterprise versions of open-source applications.

Successful Open Source business deployments

* Google – Worlds most favorite search engine runs Linux on thousands of servers to serve millions of page hits per day.
* Yahoo –Uses qmail for serving millions of customers with mailing services.

Who should consider using Open Source software?

Governments, Business Organisations, NGOs, Colleges, Schools, cyber Cafes and Individuals!

Can Open source Software meet the IT needs of my Organization and bring down the Total cost of ownership on IT investments?
Yes. It can.

How do I make an easy start with open source?
Its recommended for people new to open source find a good “live CD” distribution of Linux (ubuntu.com, opensuse.org, fedora.redhat.com) and to try it out as a quick, no-risk Way to Experience open Source software!