The Best 6 Open-Source Technologies That Changed The World

Businesses are continuously on the lookout for digital solutions to help them function more efficiently and generate larger revenues more quickly. Open-source technology is a term they may or may not be familiar with that can help them forward this cause. For everyone from home to business users, the best open-source software makes it simple and straightforward to conduct routine computing chores without having to pay a subscription or license cost.

In the corporate world, open-source technology is currently a hot topic. Because open-source software can be modified locally to save money, it is widely used for a variety of applications. It is frequently utilized in local applications where only a single operation must be completed. Without open-source software, the software world would be a very different place.

The following are six open source technologies that have transformed the world.

1. Linux

Linux is the most well-known open-source operating system. Linus Torvalds, a Finnish student at the time, created the operating system in 1991. Later, it evolved into a large family of OS distributions, including desktop varieties such as Chrome OS and Ubuntu, as well as server stack solutions such as LAMP.

Linux has an entirely different base code than the more popular Windows and OS X systems, making it a less attractive target for internet hackers and criminal actors.

2. Android

Android is a popular open-source operating system parented by Google for use in all of its touchscreen devices, tablets, and cell phones. 72.73% of smartphones worldwide run on the Android operating system.

Android has thrived in a competitive smartphone industry thanks to the open-source movement on which it is based. Because of their superb application of open-source concepts, Google has become a key player in the smartphone ecosystem in less than a decade. The smartphone business would be substantially different now if it weren't for open-source software.

3. Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is a free open-source internet browser that may be customized. It has thousands of plugins that can be accessed with a single mouse click. It is available for Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux and controls 3.56 percent of the global browser market share.

Mozilla, according to CNET, transformed the technology sector by fanning the flames of open source software, which revolutionized the way social networks and operating systems work.

4. LibreOffice

LibreOffice is essentially a free version of the world's most popular office productivity suite, Microsoft Office 365, with support for documents, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, diagrams, and mathematical calculations.

LibreOffice has risen to the top as a result of its superior ability to preserve Microsoft file types. In other words, if you need to make changes to a Microsoft Word document, your formatting won't be messed up.

Users can donate to it when they download it to help sustain it. As a result, it has a sizable contributor base.

5. GIMP

GIMP is a powerful open-source photo and image editing tool and it is one of the most famous and best-maintained open-source software tools out there. GIMP runs on a variety of systems, including Windows and Linux, and has a variety of third-party plugins and customization options. It is used by many artists, graphic designers, and photographers to improve and enhance their work.

6. Python

Python is popular scripting and open-source programming language for custom software developers. Because of the rapidly increasing subject of machine learning, it has attracted a large number of new users in recent years. It is also simple to use, which is why the majority of developers prefer this open-source software.

Even absolute beginners may use Python to automate simple computer operations like renaming files, searching and downloading internet information, and sending emails or SMS at predetermined intervals.

Pros And Cons Of Using Open Source Technology In Your Business

Why has open-source technology grown so popular in the business world? Many companies now have chosen open source technologies for their businesses. This is due to the fact that such software can be openly accessed, distributed, and modified by anybody. Open-source software is typically a free software product with source code available to developers. They have the ability to improve the program's performance, add new features, and correct problems. LibreOffice, Mozilla Firefox, and Chromium are some examples of such software.

Contrary to Open-source software, proprietary software is closed source software. Only the program's owners have access to the source code, which they can check and change. Some Microsoft, Adobe, and Apple products are instances of proprietary software. Some companies consider open-source software to be the norm, while others prefer to develop proprietary software.

The business sector can profit from open-source software in a variety of ways. However, there are two sides to every coin, just as there are in life. There are several disadvantages to using open source in the workplace that must be considered.

Let's take a look at the top pros and cons of using free and open-source software in the business place.

What Makes Open Source Software Development So Exciting?

Open Source platforms allow getting recognition

Working on or managing open source projects can get you recognition from the developer community in a variety of ways, including building a strong GitHub profile and attending numerous technical events. You or your company can build a solid reputation by actively participating in the open-source community. It will be easier for you to locate employees eager to work for you, partners wanting to collaborate with you, and clients willing to hire your professional services if you represent a software development firm.

2. Good quality software

The quality of open source code is frequently higher. A piece of software-generated by a group of developers may be of poorer quality than software developed by thousands of developers with experience in various technologies, industries, and projects from around the world. Furthermore, defects in open source software are quickly detected because the code is regularly examined by different developers. The community's reviews, additions, and refactoring are all beneficial in this situation.

3. Cost-Effective Technology

If you're on a tight budget, open-source software may be a better option than paying for expensive solutions. This technique has low to no up-front expenditures. You only need to obtain the code from a reliable source and you're ready to go. In some cases where third-party products are involved, such as plug-ins, there may be a small cost incurred. Open-source software, on the other hand, is intended for anybody to download and use as they like, according to the terms of the license.

4. Highly Secure Software

Open-source proponents argue that, in general, open-source software is more secure than proprietary software. Bugs and other issues are usually addressed as soon as they are discovered by community members. Commercial software, on the other hand, is not in this category. It might take weeks or months for huge companies to address vulnerabilities and deliver a fix.

Furthermore, unlike certain private software companies, open-source products cannot purposefully misuse and abuse customers' data. This abuse would be discovered by the community, and the software's and its owner's reputations would be damaged.

What Isn't So Great About Open Source Software Development?

1. It's possible that open-source software won't last

The open-source software on which your company has placed its bets may suddenly vanish. When the community that was responsible for updating the program and writing modifications to the source code disbands, you'll be responsible for maintaining it and writing any changes that are relevant to your company. Because of the prospect of this happening, open-source is a risky choice for your company.

2. The endangering of the company's basic value

Anything that is critical to your business should never be open-sourced. If you have a trade secret — an idea or a method of implementing it that makes your company distinctive – you should not open source it so that your competitors can use it. However, if you have ideas or techniques that can be used by the general public without causing a financial loss to your company, open-source them.

3. Support isn't always trustworthy

It's comforting to know that if you have a problem with your software or application, you can turn to support for assistance. This isn't always the case with open-source software, and even when it is, the kind of SLAs you'd expect from a commercial enterprise-class software suite aren't always in place.

To Conclude

Organizations have a variety of tools to choose from, including open-source, proprietary, and off-the-shelf technologies. Many firms are more likely to either design their own tools or acquire tried-and-true off-the-shelf alternatives. Open-source software, on the other hand, is becoming increasingly popular and is being used by a growing number of organizations in both the public and commercial sectors. This raises the question of whether or not open-source software is appropriate for business use. There are pros and cons to consider before making this decision and it's vital to measure them against your objectives when deciding whether to use it.

5 Reasons On Why Open Source Technology Is Important

In recent years, open-source has exploded in popularity in the IT world. This is due to the benefit of being able to use the program for free. It is free to use, distribute, and change open-source software.

Because the code is publicly available, open-source software is more secure. Users do not have to wait for the next version because anyone can correct bugs as they occur. The fact that a huge community is constantly analyzing the code results in secure and stable programming.

Here are the 5 reasons why open source technology is important:

1. Open Source Software- A Better Economic Model

Covid-19 pandemic had changed the business world a lot and huge financial crisis may be faced by many of the businesses. Due to a lack of funding, many companies throughout the world have begun to view Open Source software as a superior economic model. As funds continue to be cut without warning, more businesses are turning to Open Source software, which has no upfront licensing fees and no vendor lock-in.

You can avoid all kinds of charges by using an open-source system, and you'll obtain a personalized product that ensures growth and productivity. Running costs, such as consultation and support, are the only expenses incurred.

2. Open Source development is better than Proprietary

You're bound into a system that is concrete, rigid, requires continuous upgrades, and may include unspecified bugs after you invest in proprietary software that you believe best matches your business. But the Open-source software maintains an open-source code base, allowing you to go in and modify it as your business evolves. The technology employs open standards that are open to everybody; as a result, it avoids the incompatibility issues that plague proprietary software.

When developers have a lot of freedom to choose their own path and a lot of opportunities to collaborate, open-source technology stimulates their intellectual curiosity considerably more than when they have a regimented project plan with a defined role within it.

3. Open Source Technology Drive Innovation and Standardization

Open source technology is a catalyst for innovation. In today's tech-centric world, digital disruption is the norm. Open source is currently prevalent in the technology world, and it will be the driving force behind the majority of technological advancements.

You can customize open-source software to meet your own requirements. It's just a matter of tweaking the open-source code to add the features you want. You'll be in a unique position as a result of it. This customization enables you to develop apps fast, consistently, and cost-effectively as your company grows.

4. Open Source Technology Can Assists Your Firm In Making Better Step At A Time

Open-source offerings of a company are a good indicator of the level of innovation, professionalism, and opportunity taking place behind closed doors. Companies are assisting programmers all across the world to overcome software challenges every day by opening up the code, architectural decisions, and other programming methodologies.

In other circumstances, open-source will progress one project at a time, similar to how the tech community improves software one step at a time. Software companies must continue to listen to and adapt to their clients or consumers.

5. Open Source Technology Improves The Productivity And Efficiency Of Work

When a company expands to meet increased demand, it expects its software to expand to meet those expectations as well. When you have a system that scales to your individual needs, balancing your workload and achieving peak performance becomes a breeze.

Open-source developers are continually examining code, making improvements, and addressing security flaws. Any work becomes more productive as a result of this ongoing review. The open-source community is dedicated to upgrading and improving OSS so that developers may create more valued products with more flexibility and independence.

To Conclude

Open-source technology is increasingly becoming the standard, and it is being adopted by businesses more frequently than you may imagine. Open-source technology is important not just because it is a low-cost choice for your organization, but it now also provides benefits that were previously only available with proprietary software. There are significant benefits to using open-source software, some of which we've discussed above.