Senior executives in software product enterprises are always searching for the latest technology. They believe (and rightfully so) that the best way to keep clients happy and satisfied is by moving to modern software platforms and utilizing the newest technology. As a result, they search for every way they can to make this happen. They want a solution that will allow them to move fast, save money, and build something reliable. When evaluating the tools needed to get the job done, software development teams often present the option of open-source software.
In recent years, the popularity of open-source code has exploded, and it has forced many software product companies to reconsider whether to utilize these tools or not. Open-source software has made it easier for developers to collaborate and contribute to a shared codebase. However, it is crucial for enterprises to carefully weigh the pros and cons of open source code and software before utilizing it. Security, cost, and support are all significant factors to consider.
Pros
Some of the areas where open-source software can be a good option for software product development include:
Open-source software is FREE!
Many open-source software platforms are free to install, and there are many options out there. As long as you can install it in your environment, you can get up and running quickly.
Many developers around the world typically support open-source software.
So, if you run into a technical problem, someone else has also run into that challenge and has a fix. Many companies already indirectly or directly rely on or utilize open-source software. The main benefit of doing that is that they do not have to figure out how to build the foundation or reinvent. Instead, they can focus their attention on figuring out the unique issue at hand. This code reusability ensures a solid code base, rapid development cycles, and lesser software defects. Moreover, open-source code is more secure as anyone can test and inspect it.
You can get up and running quickly with open-source software.
Because you rely on a codebase of pre-built code, you can get the skeleton of your product up and running quickly. If your software development team is trying to deliver a mobile or web experience, it can use open-source software development frameworks to ensure faster delivery.
Open-source software could speed up innovation.
Open-source software allows enterprises to introduce innovation before their competition – bringing their products to the marketplace first. By utilizing open-source components, organizations can focus resources on providing important differentiating features, thereby ensuring a faster delivery to the market.
Cons
For some scenarios, the cons of open-source software can outweigh the pros, leading a company down a sticky path.
Open-source software isn’t really FREE.
You are still paying to set the platform or code base up in your environment, and many times, the setup requires much adjustment to get the codebase to work correctly. You will have to pay your employees to integrate it, incurring an unforeseen price. So, avoid getting into open-source software just for the sake of it. Your decision should depend on whether open-source software has solved a problem you are facing, and you have the in-house talent to use it effectively.
The learning curve can be pretty steep.
Because nobody on your team is an expert, there’s going to be a lot of time and money spent getting everyone on your team building features and contributing code consistently and reliably.
If you want emergency support, you are PAYING for that support.
Typically the people who built the codebase will offer a support program. So, you either pay them to support your business, or you pay an expensive consultant trained in the open-source platform of your choosing, and they will charge you an arm and a leg to fix any issues.
It’s not your IP.
Depending on licensing, you could be in a situation where you have to open-source your code because of their agreements. Read the FINE print.
You are at the mercy of the culture!
If the code base is popular, many people can support it. When that popularity wanes, it can be hard to find people trained to support the codebase. Then you are in the same situation that led you to look for new technology – unsupported legacy software.
Bottom line:
Open-source software code is only beneficial for specific kinds of business models that engage in a particular area of software development. If you are still confused, we have a technology decision tool that helps business leaders evaluate and make better decisions when faced with a new technology evaluation: Technology Decision Tool.
Before making what could be an expensive decision, work with a trusted technology partner, like us, to help you decide whether your company can benefit from using open-source technology, a third-party platform provider, or build your platform from scratch.
If you want to learn more about how we can help your development team supercharge your software product development, visit our PlatformPlus page.