Open source: A complementary technology

What started decades ago as a technology experiment mainly by academics has, during the past few years, evolved into a global phenomenon.

The principles of open source state that applications be made available with their source code instead of in an executable format that provides only specific functionality. This means users can use the software as provided if it offers the functionality needed (as we are forced to do with proprietary software), or to change it to better suit their needs.

A key aspect of this software revolution is the ability for business and individual users to extract maximum value from their ICT investment. Open source seldom carries the financially crippling licensing costs of Windows-based solutions. Many open source offerings are free, prompting a suspicion from business that they must be of low worth. Far from being the case, open source allows business to invest in their people and skills, rather than just handing over licence fees to vendors.

The leading open source initiative in the market is Linux, but open source is far more than Linux. Businesses can make use of open source software without moving off their Unix or Windows platforms, allowing them to protect their current IT investments.

The open source Apache Web server is being used by over two-thirds of all Web sites internationally. Launched eight years ago to provide the development community with a secure, efficient and extensible open source Web server platform, the Apache HTTP server has evolved into a standards-compliant, commercial grade reference platform.

The open source zealots may prescribe the all-or-nothing approach and advise businesses to remove all proprietary operating systems in favour of Linux and applications that run on it. For the average businessperson, however, this is not effective business thinking.

Open source does not sacrifice practicality on the altar of ideology. A service provider out to deliver good service to clients will leverage the growth and maturity of open source in a controlled process using skilled resources and sound business and technological principles to deliver the most effective solution possible.

In other words, contrary to the opinions of many commentators, open source supporters are not on a crusade to kill Microsoft and other proprietary vendors, but rather to assist clients in taking full advantage of the benefits software can deliver.

Open source supporters are not on a crusade to kill Microsoft and other proprietary vendors, but rather to assist clients in taking full advantage of the benefits software can deliver.

Aubrey Malabie, CEO, Khanyisa Real Systems

Experienced open source software developers are comfortable recommending Windows or Unix to users when they are the best options available. This also implies recommending technologies such as Java to ensure clients retain freedom of choice for the long-term. Using Java allows the same application to be deployed across multiple platforms, from Windows desktops to mainframes without requiring any changes to the underlying code.

In other words, the business user has a choice. They are not restricted in what they may do, where and with how many computers, as happens with Microsoft. They can make business decisions confident that their technology will support them. Open source is no longer some geeky anarchic solution, but a mature business approach supported by skills and expertise from specialist developers.

Open source is the better solution: not because of ideology or because it is often free, but because it delivers freedom of choice and versatility. In SA, where we want to grow our ICT industry and expand our skills base, this freedom is critical.

The versatility of open source can clearly be seen in the database market. If businesses choose to use proprietary software such as Oracle, they can choose to run it on a Linux platform at a fraction of the cost of other operating systems and with superior reliability - at least some of the large software houses understand the benefits open source offers.

Also, the past year has seen open, stable open source databases (such as MySQL) showing growth of over 50% compared to single-digit growth throughout the proprietary database world.

Is this a case of companies choosing a `free` database for mission-critical applications because there is no purchase cost? I think not. No executive would risk a business to save a few rand, especially when the costs of maintenance and development are probably similar to any other database. The reasoning for the growth is simply the freedom they buy their companies, coupled with the proven maturity of these products.

No one wants to build a database from scratch or write the code to do basic data manipulation; these functions are standard and available to all users. It`s when companies have the ability to use these features and build on them to create unique competitive advantage that they can differentiate themselves.

Open source allows IT managers to focus on the solution instead of the problem. It allows them to ignore the restrictive licences and the limited scope of their proprietary applications, and grow their business.

Open source does not mean tossing out existing ICT investments, but focuses on the solution: how companies can make the most of their technology at a reasonable cost. It re-ignites the fires of innovation and creativity in search of business differentiators, as opposed to forcing customers to obey archaic licensing models and limited applications designed to force a one-size-fits-all mentality.

* Khanyisa Real Systems sponsors ITWeb`s open source industry portal. Take a look at how support from leading industry players in the open source arena prompts the development of profitable, respected platforms, which compete with even the most entrenched competition.