The Opportunities and Limitations of Deploying an Open Source System - Essay Example

Lecturer Assess the opportunities and limitations of deploying an Open Source System Introduction Open Source System is also identified as Open Source Software. Open Source Systems allows users, through its terms and conditions of use, to freely access certain freedoms. Open Source Systems allows the right to access and change the source code, and reuse or reuse the software without paying royalty or any other related costs. Improvements in the system are also shared by the general community hence global benefits are assured. The guarantees to freely use the Open Source Systems ensure very important global effects (Gamma & Beck, 2004). For example; encourages redistribution and reuse, ensures innovation and flexibility for smooth integration, makes software affordable by minimizing the prices, service provider monopoly is prevented and therefore hence security problems are easily identified and solved, competition among service providers ensure customers benefit from high quality and affordable software, and less market entry barriers ensure many stakeholders participation. The Open Source Initiative is the worldwide authority responsible for certifying a truly Open Source System or Software. In General, Open Source System shows a computer software program using a source code which is known and available to the public to ensure use, reuse and modification of the original software design. Open Source code is generated through a collaborative mechanism where programmers alter the code positively and then share the changes with members of the community (Messerschmitt & Szyperski, 2004). Open Source model entails concurrent concepts, with different agendas and approaches in the production process; this is unlike the centralized development models used by commercial software firms. Linux, a major Operating System, is an example of an Open Source Software, and another example is Firefox. Linux can be downloaded freely from the internet, and it contains additional utility features. Opportunities of Deploying Open Source Systems The major opportunity of installing an Open Source System is that it is free and therefore enables organizations to save software costs. It is estimated that free software saves organizations approximately $60 billion in one year. The free software can also be reused, distribute and shared by different organization. Open source is a more secure system; this is because the access code is known and available to any person (Brynjolfsson & Hitt, 2002). Any person in the world can participate in generating codes which are more secure, simple and stable. Open Source Systems is not affected by the person or organization which initially produced it. Failure of an organization does not imply that the code expires or becomes corrupted; instead software users continue to develop and improve its capabilities (Feller & Fitzgerald, 2001). Open Source Systems also uses software standards which is easily accessible to people, hence incompatibility issues are minimal if not none. Organizations using free software are also not affected by complex licensing requirements and; therefore, they don’t need to develop anti-piracy methods like serial number and product activation. Open Source Software are of superior quality and security than proprietary systems. This is because it effectively changes with time as users continuously improve and develop on its functions and capabilities. The users continuously analyze and study it; and this leads to solving noticed problems. Open Source Software ensures users aren’t locked in the software products of a given service provider; this is because free software are compatible with almost all telecommunication hardware and software. Modification of Opens Source System is necessary for companies because it enables creation of tailor made software products which meets the needs of the organization efficiently and effectively (Messerschmitt & Szyperski, 2004). Open Source Systems with a large population of users creates marketing opportunities for an organization. This is because a company can update the free software with information on the products it offers. The software users can also give an organization advice on how to maximize on the uses of the Open Source System. Limitations of Deploying an Open Source System The main limitation is that certain Open Source Systems like Linux are complex and hence cannot be used easily by employees of organizations. Users must be adequately trained on how to utilize the free software effectively; an organization may therefore be forced to higher competent trainers, this leads to higher human resource costs. The users will also consume a lot of work time in the duration of the training (Ven & Verelst, 2006). Another limitation is that there are a limited number of computer applications that can use both the Open Source System and the proprietor software; therefore switching the proprietor software to open source nature requires detailed study of compatibility analysis of applicable hardware and software, the change may also involve technicians’ costs and related hardware and software costs. Also, the problem of user confusion may result when two or more versions of the software exists in both (proprietor and open source) platforms. This confusing will result in the users making wrong decisions on organization matters (Boehm, B. & Turner, R.., 2004). Many current hardware designs are not compatible with the popular Open Source Systems; this makes user to acquire connecting hardware drivers, and this proves costly to install as it requires expert knowledge. Because open source platforms are not commercial products which generate profit; they are improved based on the wishes and interests of very many developers, the needs of the end users are not taken into consideration during software updates, this leads free software to increased user unfriendliness (Shapiro & Varian, 2004). Open software systems create an enabling environment for users with malicious intent, to exploit any challenges or weaknesses in the platform. For example users may become easy targets for personal data theft, in an Open Source System. Challenges may result when an open system experiences operation problems, this is because no specific person of organization is responsible for managing the system, therefore a community of users with many incompetent users may be relied upon to study and fix the technical problems. Application of an Open Source System in the Electronics Sector In the manufacture of electronics, Open Source system is used in the publishing of the source code and making it easily accessible to all members of the public. Open source system hardware has specifications written in software form; this enables any person to use the published instructions; and thereafter copy, change and redistribute the hardware, specifications and source codes without meeting the costs of royalties and related fees (Gay, 2002). Open source hardware changes based on community participation and cooperation; these communities are composed of individual as well as organization developers. Example of hardware improvements as a result of Open Source Software are: Openmoko which are groups of mobile phones with Open Source Systems; the Operating Systems and the specifications are also open source enabled. OpenRISK is a microprocessor group with open source capabilities; and data shared involve architectural specifications. Arduino involves a microcontroller open source system for artists, designers and hobbyists. GizmoSphere is an Open Source System for people and organization in embedded design; this site has code downloads and also hardware schematics which comes with free user guides and other related documentations. Simputer is an open source enabled and handheld computer designed initially in India to be used in areas where personal computers are inappropriate. Tinkerforge is a network of open source microcontrollers, and enables the control of motors and sensor reading using programming languages like (Java, 2009). Open Compute Project involves uses open source software in the design of electrical and mechanical aspects of computer power supply and motherboard. LEON involves a group of Open Source Systems microprocessors spread within a library. Finally, a Lasersaur involves a laser cutter which applies the Open Source System. Factors Affecting Deployment of Open Source System This paper seeks to identify issues that are of concern during the design, implementation and use stage of an Open Source System in organizations. The first factor is attributes of the desired innovation; the relative advantage of the Open Source System over proprietor system should be identified. The company must see the possibility of gaining value or competitive advantage through adopting the identified Open Source Software. The Open Source System should be compatible with existing organizational computer resources. The free software should also be less complex so that many users, even non experts, benefit from it. Trial-ability should be taken into consideration; tests must be undertaken on the software to ensure smooth deployment. The second factor is the nature of the decision to adopt; there are three decision types when adopting a new technology.individual decision is where individual persons have the option of deciding on whether to adopt the system or not (Brynjolfsson & Hitt, 2002). In collective decisions, all stakeholders in the organization must agree on whether to deploy the Open Source System or not. In authority decision, senior member(s) or teams in the organization make the decision on the adoption of the new software; other stakeholders respect the decisions of seniors. The type of communication channel is the third factor. Open Source Systems used through personal contacts pass information slowly; however, the mass media sites ensure mass exchange of information. Promotional efforts of the Open Source System are also a major factor to be taken into consideration; during the early stages of the deployment, the support of the opinion leaders in the organization must be secured. Change agents must be actively involved throughout the stages of deploying an Open Source System. Evaluating the Open Source System The success of an open source system can be studied in ten major ways. Firstly, the Open Source System must meet the current business needs of the company; promises about the future desired features of free software cannot be guaranteed. During deployment; the software should immediately meet desired needs; for example having a marketing feature. The software should be mature; this means that it should have a proven success record. An effective Open Source System has full set of documentation; the documentation will show the necessary procedure of maintaining the software and making necessary updates. Proper software documentation shows proven software stability or maturity. Another success factor is the study of licensing conditions stated in the software; these conditions must support the effectiveness of the free software. Security of the software must be ensured for it to be effective; the users must ensure internal review of the system by trusted in-house security experts, however, on the positive side most Open Source Software have a proven security features due to its openness characteristics. Success of the Software product also depends on the user skills and competence. The technical staffs must be involved in the usage and maintenance of the software, because certain unique complexities involved (Krishnamurthy, 2005). Effectiveness of the Open source Software depends on adequate infrastructure support; all components of the company must be considered when adopting new technology, for example production, quality assurance, marketing and management. The processes of the organization should provide necessary resources for smooth functioning of the Open Source Software. New technology requires additional training and resource which, though expensive, must be provided. Successful open software must ensure consideration of the views or opinions of the community; this means allowing review of the system by other users. Many Open Source Systems have online discussion features which provide adequate review information. Another evaluating criterion involves ensuring third party support; support contracts are less costly and they must be sought; so as to ensure proper installation, training and maintenance. Finally, the organization must be ready to adopt the Open Source System for success to be achieved; software adoption, though a technical decision is also a political decision and the support of all stakeholders must be ensured. Conclusion Open Source Systems assist in reducing organizational costs related to licensing and maintenance. It is also instrumental in ensuring competitive advantage through integrating superior technology with the products of a business; without incurring a lot of expenses associated with research, marketing and product development. In making deployment decisions; comparison between Open Source System and Commercial Software should be done in terms of features performance and also support capabilities. The explained ten rule evaluation guide should be applied in finding and deploying an Open Source System that meet your user needs. Bibliography Boehm, B. & Turner, R. (2004). Balancing Agility and Discipline: A Guide for the Perplexed. Boston, MA: Addison-Wesley. Brynjolfsson, T.F.B.E. & Hitt, L.M. (2002). Information technology, workplace organization, and the demand for skilled labor: Firm-level evidence. Quarterly Journal of Economics 117, 339–376. Feller, J. & Fitzgerald, B. (2001) Understanding Open Source Software Development. Harlow, UK: Pearson Education. Gamma, E. & Beck, K. (2004) Contributing to Eclipse: Principles, Patterns, and Plug-Ins. Boston, MA: Addison-Wesley. Gay, J. (Ed.) (2002). Free Software, Free Society: Selected Essays of Richard M. Stallman. Boston: GNU Press, Free Software Foundation. Krishnamurthy, S. (2005) an analysis of open source business models, in: Feller, J., Fitzgerald, B., Hissam, S., Lakhani, K. (Eds.), Making sense of the bazaar: Perspectives on open source and free software. Cambridge, UK: MIOT Press. pp. 279–298. Messerschmitt, D. & Szyperski, C. (2004). Software Ecosystem: Understanding an Indispensable Technology and Industry. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. 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