Some states and some companies are turning to open source software for a variety of reasons, some mentioned in this chapter. Some companies (say Microsoft) have gone on the record against open source software. Explain some of the advantages of using proprietary software and cite your advantages with websites that take or mention these positions.
Proprietary software is software for a computer that is licensed exclusively to one party with certain terms of use and licensing agreements, while open source software (OSS) allows those with a user license (not just those with copyright) to alter the software. OSS is also commonly in the public domain. Chapter 3 of Blown to Bits mentions that governments (such as Massachusetts) and different companies are trying to require Open Source Software and OpenDocument Format so documents and information can be exchanged among businesses and government offices and better software can be produced. This desire is creating a backlash of opposition against such formats.
Shawn Shell, a Principal of the technology consulting firm Consejo, Inc., states the point that proprietary software will keep software developers developing useful software. From his experience, he says he's seen many companies make a lot of money marketing OSS, "making money on support", yet they didn't make it. All of the developers don't get paid anything. If developers can't make a living off of creating these products, he argues, there is no point and they will eventually stop and find something that pays. Even if they continue making it, with no competition and compensation, the product will (most likely) not be as good. His final point in his argument that Proprietary software is not dieing out is that it this software comes with a certain security and protection. As a consumer (whether you're an individual or company) you can (to a certain extent) make sure you get what you paid for. You can call the help centers or if all else fails return the product, but with OSS Shell argues "there isn't a consistent and reliable model for ensuring that the software provided is fit for use as intended; it's everyone for themselves. There is no guarantee, warranty, or statement of suitability for any application whatsoever".With Proprietary software, the company offers support if the product fails.
Source:
Shell, S. (2005, October 14). Open Source Versus Commercial Software: Why Proprietary Software is Here to Stay. InformIT. Retrieved October 6, 2010, from http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=420290&seqNum=3
Mr. Shell may have left out the fact that OS software has been written since the dawn of computer history and continues to thrive despite not having an active marketplace for developers to directly thrive from the sale of software.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most famous and trusts o.s. projects is the Apache web server. It is the most popular web server software and is free.
The paradigm shift is now companies that are both charging for software but including o.s. components. A great example is Apple... it ships the Apache server as part of Mac OS X (which itself includes many proprietary pieces).