While open source software has established niche applications, it is not ready for mainstream adoption - and who knows if it will ever be? While open source technologies offer value in some respects, the co-ordinated efforts of research and development behind the world`s leading software companies will continue to deliver more to businesses at a lower total cost, says Jacques Loubser, managing executive at Business Connexion`s Microsoft Competency.
"When it comes to business software, one of the most important considerations for any company is the ability to rapidly deploy and get benefits. That is closely followed by access to recourse and accountability to support in the event of any disruption, failure or other problem. The so-called `free` software available on the market is sadly, somewhat lacking in this essential respect, allowing those with these skills to corner their customers and take away the very choice they purport to offer," observes Loubser.
He adds that a good deal of open source software is still somewhat immature: "While those with highly technical skills may find the prospect of customising their software to the nth degree an attractive one, the reality is that this is not at all desirable to most individuals - and indeed organisations. In a business setting, an operating system or an office productivity solution must offer the ability to be rolled out in a co-ordinated and automated fashion, and immediately introduce a secure, familiar, integrated and easy to use environment in which people can start being productive," he substantiates.
Loubser says the broader software industry is continuously working to make technology ever more accessible to people. That endeavour revolves around `hiding` the complexity of devices and the software that drives them, with the ultimate intention that even those with a low level of computer literacy can easily interact with technology.
"This is particularly relevant in the South African context, where many workers are required to use computers, but may not have much insight into their workings. The point is that it should not be necessary to know how the computer works - rather, this should be a simple, reliable and intuitive process. Something like opening a CD-ROM drive, for example, should be at the push of a button, without requiring mounting and un-mounting," he says.
And while access to a `community` is sometimes cited as a differentiator for pen source, Loubser notes that Microsoft developers and users also have a significant international community, as well as access to a local organisation, SADeveloper.net.
"Notwithstanding the fact that open source does offer value in some contexts, in the volume software market, however, the reality is that products from companies like Microsoft simply offer better value at a lower cost. This has been proven the world over, as people prefer working with its operating system, its desktop productivity programs and more. It will take a long time and a co-ordinated effort from open source offerings before they can reach the level of usability offered by these products," Loubser concludes.
Share
Editorial contacts