The flexibility offered when using open source software (OSS) is a key advantage, as it allows consumers to modify it to meet their specific needs, says Obsidian CTO Anton de Wet.
"From an Obsidian perspective, OSS allows us to look at specific problems facing each individual client and modify the code to suit them. This can be done without restrictions - if a consumer doesn`t like what Obsidian is doing, they are free to go somewhere else."
Speaking yesterday at INSITE, a technology and innovation expo in Midrand, De Wet pointed to Apple as an example of how software can be modified successfully in order to meet specific needs in the marketplace.
"Basically what Apple did was take BSD-based Unix - which states that you can do what you like with the code, as long as you don`t blame Berkley - and made it extremely pretty and useful."
Open source is generally only functional for programs that have a wide user base, such as operating systems, says De Wet, adding that narrow or niche markets will not likely adopt OSS that easily.
In terms of interoperability, De Wet says it is important that users not view the open source versus proprietary debate as an either/or situation as they can often run on the same system.
"An ever-increasing number of these programs are becoming available on proprietary platforms. For example, Firefox works flawlessly under Windows."
Locally, open source can help develop skills and keep money in the country, says De Wet, but the issue of patenting remains a headache. "It is one of the biggest potential problems in the open source world.
"While software patents are not necessarily a bad thing, not having a proper system to decide what can be patented is a huge problem and one that can harm innovation."
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