What is Open Source?
Fredom for digital knowledge
Open Source is, above all, open code that can be freely distributed and installed without having to pay the creator.
In other words, this means that you have total insight into how the programmers have designed the code in order to achieve the desired results. Thus, you can also change the code if you find a bug or wish to adapt the system so that it better suits your needs.
For you as a user, free distribution means that you can freely place your code where you feel it is best suited. Thus, you are not obligated to e.g. operate the online store with us for good because you have established an OpenBizBox. For a new system, the greatest investment often occurs when adapting and integrating it as well as teaching the organisation to use it. This investment will not be lost should you wish to change to a new provider.
Jointly improving the system
That which makes Open Source a strong alternative is the open code in combination with the Internet.
When a programmer finds a bug or a security hole in the open code, he reports this back to those who have created the system. Faults are thus rectified quickly and cheaply.
With the thousands of programmers working with the Open Source system to fulfil the needs of their respective clients, many improvements and additions are made to the original system. These are often given back to the common base, thereby jointly raising this system up to a higher and well-developed level.
Is it profitable?
The minority of IT companies receive their primary income through licensing fees. That which is profitable, however, is supplying knowledge and value to our customers. We do not earn our living by offering free installation of Open Source software, but from the web hosting that runs the operations as well as the support and adaptations we offer as back up for some of our customers? web services.
Additionally, the programmers of Open Source earn their living by selling advice concerning the systems that they know almost everything about.
Further information
You can read more about Open Source at www.opensource.org or search via Google: open source or Yahoo! Search: open source