We all know that chocolate is dangerous for our health, but one can never stop having sweets. Similarly, in the technology realm, open-source platforms might have several drawbacks or cons but businesses irrespective of their size and industry verticals can never stop using open-source technologies. With several technological advancements happening day in and day out, open-source technologies remain the core aspect behind any and every online presence. And why not since it has severe potential to develop quick solutions, which are secure, robust, and highly scalable.

Everything about Open Source Technology!

The competition is becoming pretty insane and hard to cope with, during such circumstances more and more businesses are found developing strong online presence even before commencing a physical store. Gone are the days when software development was secretive or soiled, fortunately, that’s not the case anymore! With the rise of open-source technologies and models, potential used cases and proven track records have been made.

Now what is open source? Well, open source is basically a kind of licensing agreement where users can modify or customize the way they want. In fact, these platforms can be well-integrated into different projects, especially the larger ones. In addition, open source technologies always consist of a large community of active users where people, especially tech-savvy geeks, tend to share ideas among each other for achieving scientific, creative and technological advancements. Not just IT sector but several industries such as electronics, fashion, robotics, and education, are found making the most of these open source technologies. Now open source literally means:

  • Making the programming code easily available to the public
  • Enabling seamless modification and customization
  • Allowing the technology to be utilized as per end user’s wish

Some of the best examples of open source technologies include Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, iTunes and so more. Further below, I would like to mention certain core benefits offered by open source technologies.

Benefits of considering Open Source Technologies

Well, in the general scenario, open source offers a variety of benefits and advantages, all depending on how you look at it. As an individual, one can find this beneficial every now and then but let us find out exactly what they are. Basically, why one must consider open source technologies to gain a competitive edge in 2023.

#1 Free yet quite powerful

One of the obvious benefits of using open source technologies is that it is available for free and yet considered quite powerful in comparison to the ones which are available especially when you pay a price. There was this tendency that paid softwares is more powerful since you have to buy them but that’s a mere misconception. You see, here you don’t have to pay for it doesn’t literally mean open source isn’t safe at all or doesn’t have more features and functionalities. In fact the large and active community behind assists well in contributing among these projects. Since they carry high-end experience of using such technologies.

#2 Diversity and innovations

Another crucial benefit or advantage offered by these open source technologies is high possibility for diversity and innovation. Now as mentioned above, open source technologies tend to offer a high rate of customization and modification so the bar for creating innovative products turns out to be extremely high. In addition, software developers and businesses no longer have to settle for a comfortable status quo.

Now what happens when you keep on using the same tool again and again? Well, you might end up missing several opportunities that could have made some real impact. You should know that not just in the neighborhood but software developers all across the globe are evangelizing about open source projects no matter which industry they hail from.

#3 Speed

Another intimidating example for using open source technologies or open source softwares is that they ensure the project is accomplished within the given time-frame. You see, initially speed might not matter to you but once you have entered the competing and fast-changing world, speed will become a core factor to take into account. And when you work on open source technologies or softwares speed is inevitable. It may quite interest you to know that open source offers a great amount of flexibility, agility, and the ability and all these aspects are available at a pretty reasonable and a cost-effective price.

#4 Transparency

Another crucial advantage of considering these open source softwares is that there are no hidden agendas or charges. Here absolute transparency is the key. Basically, what you are able to see is what you are able to get and that too at a cost-effective price. Not just software developers but even end users can see the code. This reduces the ever-growing trust issues between the end user and software provider. So in other words it can be said that the code is publicly available which means the code is publicly available and end users can get a full sense of stability.

Most of these open source technologies are considered for long-term projects as the software being open source can never be discontinued such as closed ones.

#5 Security

Another benefit or concern of the end user is high-end security. There has been a pure misconception that open source softwares cannot guarantee high-end security. However, less did you know that open-source software is more secure than its alternatives. Wondering why?

  • Most experienced software developers keep on inspecting the code every now and then
  • Vulnerabilities, errors and defects can be detected as well as fixed or rectified pretty faster
  • Frequent updates
  • Even closed softwares tends to use several open source components.

In fact, high-end security is one of the major reasons why open source software or open source technologies are pretty much in demand. In addition, you can add as many third-party integrations as you want.

#6 Large community

Open source communities shouldn’t be ignored at any rate. Here you will find a large and active community featuring a wide range of software developers, software testers who might carry relevant skills, expertise and experience in dealing with such types of projects. In addition, these professionals can also gain lots and lots of opportunities for learning and advancing their skills.

Final Word

So that’s all for now! When we talk about open source technologies, the misconceptions keep on increasing but one must know that open source technologies or open source softwares are here for a reason and they shouldn’t be ignored at any rate. In fact it has been revealed that with open source, more than 90% of the expectations have been met.

So when you can have agility, flexibility, enhanced security, scalability, cost-efficiency, attracting better talent, open source community, what’s there not to like. So whether you are a startup, SMEs, and MNCs, open source technology is right here for you! Just make sure to partner with a reliable open source software development company which has a proven track record of delivering efficient, customized, and feature-rich applications. I hope you did find the following post worth reading. If so feel free to share among your peers and in case if there is some kind of doubt regarding the same topic, feel free to discuss with us in the comment section below.

About the Author

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Mirko Humbert

Mirko Humbert is the editor-in-chief and main author of Designer Daily and Typography Daily. He is also a graphic designer and the founder of WP Expert.