Importance of Open Source
Why is Open Source Crucial for Business Software Development?
What is Open Source?
Open source or open source software (OSS) refers to software code that is designed to be publicly accessible – anyone can see, modify, and distribute the code as they see fit. Open source tools, development frameworks, and technologies are usually developed in a collaborative, public manner.
- An open source software license is free of charge
- Source code is made available to the receiving party, so they can improve or modify it
- Enables rapid software development by putting very few restrictions on the use or distribution of source code by an organization or user
- Open source technologies are maintained and supported by an active community of volunteers
Why is Open Source Important in Software Development?
Despite the type of software you’re building, your development team will have to rely at least partially on open source. Here’s why open source is important for enterprise software development.
Accelerates speed to market: Open source allows development teams to utilize resources that already exist, so they can save time and effort. It provides frameworks for developers to build on top of, so they don’t have to build the entire software from scratch.
Fosters innovation: Open source gives developers access to code that is used, tested, and updated by companies in the same industry. It motivates developers to collaborate with experts, innovate and think out of the box.
Facilitates collaboration: Open source communities constantly contribute toward improving the technology, so developers get an opportunity to collaborate with experts in the same field and come up with new ideas.
Saves time and budget: Leveraging open source frameworks and tools allows you to launch your software within a short period of time without spending extensively on buying proprietary technology. The source code is available to all and is free to use and integrate.
The best software development partner helps you identify the right open source technologies and tools that can make your software simple, scalable, and user-friendly.
Tools & Frameworks
Open Source Programs Commonly Used in Enterprise Software Development
Top Open Source Programming Languages and Frameworks
- Python
- Golang (Go)
- Java
- C#
- C++
- JavaScript
- Kotlin
- Ruby
- R programming
- Swift
Open Source Tools and Technologies for Managing and Analyzing Big Data
- Hadoop
- Apache Spark
- Apache Cassandra
- MongoDB
- CouchDB
- HPCC Systems
- Kafka
- Redis
- PostgreSQL
- MariaDB
Open Source Frameworks for Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning/ Deep Learning
- TensorFlow
- Keras
- PyTorch
- OpenCV
- Scikit-learn
- Caffe2
- Theano
- RNN
- Microsoft Cognitive Toolkit
- Amazon SageMaker Neo
Open Source Cloud Platforms Leveraged for Cloud Software Development
- Cloud Foundry
- OpenStack
- WSO2
- Stackato
- Alibaba Cloud
- Cloudify
- OpenShift
- CloudStack
- Tsuru
- AppScale
Searching for the right set of open source tools or services is like deep-sea exploration. Only an expert software development consultant can simplify your hunt.
Use Cases
Types of Business Applications Developed Using Open Source Tools
Open source technologies, tools, frameworks, and programming languages accelerate the development of custom software applications including:
- Web and mobile app development
- Custom software integrations
- Web portal development
- eCommerce solutions
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Software migrations, customizations, and updates
- Customer Relationship Management Software (CRM)
- Enterprise Resource Planning Software (ERP)
- User interface & experience (UI/UX) design and development
Benefits
How Open Source Technologies Benefit Custom Software Development?
Open source SDKs:
- Offer topnotch tools and services to customize your software product quickly, so it could meet your business-specific needs
- Most of the well-known programming languages and technologies are open source, which means you have plenty of community support to fix bugs or perform any kind of troubleshooting
- Allow software developers to use or modify the source code since everything is publicly accessible
- Make it easy for you to build flexible, scalable, and user-friendly software applications that your users will love
- Provide technologies to automate your routine processes and tools for in-depth data analytics, so you can take your services to the next level
- Help leverage the latest technology advantages that will give you a competitive edge and also significantly improve your line of products
- Aid developers working with the software by providing thorough documentation and large databases
- Offer seamless compatibility across several platforms and frameworks, ensuring ease of integration, testing, and maintenance
- Bring more transparency into the entire custom software development lifecycle
Open source technologies and SDKs expedite custom software development in numerous ways. Your ultimate success, however, relies on the expertise of your software development outsourcing partner.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons of Using Open Source Technologies in Software Development
Open source technologies, tools, frameworks, and programming languages accelerate the development of custom software applications including:
Pros
- Allows faster security updates and vulnerability fixes
- Lowers vendor costs by providing free licenses
- Minimizes the risks related to vendor lock-in
- Offers more flexibility through customization
- Gives more flexibility and control over your software
- Offers access to a vast pool of open source tools to choose from
Cons
- Minimal compatibility with proprietary formats, protocols, or standards
- Security flaws, cyber risks, and vulnerabilities
- Developed and managed by volunteers who are not liable for any faulty guidance or mistakes
- Legal issues related to the use of copyrighted materials
- Lack of vendor support or roadmap
How They Differ
Open Source vs. Commercial Software Development Kits (SDKs)
Open Source SDKs
- Licensing fee is either zero or minimal
- Prior development experience is required to ensure better usability
- Support from active online communities, forums, and blogs
- SDKs organically evolve over time through community contributions
- Need to contact the administrator or community support to update and maintain the software
- User incurs licensing and development costs
- Usability is a key feature
- Backed by quality documentation for immediate reference and a dedicated customer support team
- Highly stable SDKs with well-defined product roadmaps
- Regular maintenance and frequent releases by the vendor to improve software functionality
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