...The Economics of Open Source Software Development Jiirgen Bitzer and Philipp J. H. Srhroder (Editurs) O 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V. Linux vs. Windows: A Comparison of Application and Platform Innovation Incentives for Open Source and Proprietary Software Platforms Nicholas Economides and Evangelos Katsamakas ABSTRACT The chapter analyzes and compares the investment incentives of platform and application developers for Linux and Windows. We find that the level of investment in applications is larger when the operating system is open source rather than proprietary. The comparison of the levels of investment in the operating systems depends, among others, on reputation effects and the number of developers. The chapter also develops a short case study comparing Windows and Linux and identifies new directions for open source software research. Keywords: Open Source Software, operating systems, technology platforms, Linux, innovation incentives. JEL Classification: L 10, L86, L3 1. 10.1 INTRODUCTION Open source software is an emerging type of software that may fundamentally affect the business and economic features of the software industry. Linux, an open source operating system, has been the prominent example of the potential of the open source movement, competing against Microsoft Windows, the incumbent operating system. 208 Nicholas Economides and Evangelos Katsamkas This chapter analyzes the incentives to invest in application software and an operating...
Words: 4770 - Pages: 20
...Assignment 1: Choosing Port Scanning Software In order to test server security your Senior Administrator has assigned you to run port scanning software to analyze servers and security. Search the Internet for and choose port scanning software to implement on your network. Questions: 1. What is port scanning? Answer: The act of systematically scanning a computer's ports. Since a port is a place where information goes into and out of a computer, port scanning identifies open doors to a computer. Port scanning has legitimate uses in managing networks, but port scanning also can be malicious in nature if someone is looking for a weakened access point to break into your computer. (Webopedia, 2013) 2. What is the goal of port scanning? Answer: a. To determine services that a computer is running and shut down services not being used to increase the security of the computer being scanned. b. To determine the vulnerabilities of the services that is being run in the computer being scanned. The vulnerabilities can then be patched once they are identified. 3. Would you prefer an open source or proprietary port scanning software? Answer: Many people in the business world prefer to use proprietary software instead of open source software due to the misconception that proprietary software is better supported than open source software. After several years of supporting both open source software and proprietary software, it becomes clearly evident that just...
Words: 367 - Pages: 2
...Open Source vs. Closed Source Open source and Closed source, two topics that have become quite the buzz in the world Information Technology (IT). Chances are, if you work in IT, you will eventually be faced with having to decide on witch of these technologies you will have to go with when planning for an upgrade or new IT system implementation. Before choosing which technology to go with we as IT professionals must first understand the difference between the two as well as carefully weight the benefits and disadvantages of each solution. An Open Source Operating system refers to software whose source code, the medium in which programmers create and modify software, is freely available on the Internet; whereas, by contrast the closed source code for proprietary commercial software is usually a closely guarded secret and is not available to the public. (Crooke, 2012) Notable open source operating systems include Android and Linux. Notable Closed source OS include Apple iOS. The two major benefit of using an Open source software is that the software is distributed under a variety of licensing terms, but almost all have two things in common: the software can be used without paying a license fee, and anyone can modify the software to add capabilities not envisaged by its originators. (Crooke, 2012) These benefit help to lower cost of products as well as offer customers the ability to customize platforms as needed to meeting business needs. The disadvantage that is associated...
Words: 803 - Pages: 4
...around the world now and the data from shopping carts and other payment and shipping needs a database too. This article will go into a bit more detail on some of the types of databases that are available and how to pick the right one for your company. Open Source vs. Proprietary This is the big question on a lot of businesses minds these days. Rather to try and cut costs by integrating an Open Source database or a proprietary one. First off let us go over what open source means. Open source software, in this case a database, is software that generally has a limited license for free using. The software is developed and maintained by developers and coders around the world that continuously work at improving the software but providing security upgrades and bug fixes. Proprietary software on the other hand is generally developed, upgraded and patched by a company that sells or licenses the software usually with some type of technical support which may or may not be free, as a general rule of thumb, the technical support isn’t free forever, but may have a short contract for support within a given time frame. Advantages and disadvantages There are some advantages and disadvantages of course with each one of these type of software. The biggest is that one is generally free and the...
Words: 1313 - Pages: 6
...Managers Report: Open Source software Vs. Closed Source software A program that is operated under the open source label has to fulfil several criteria. The most important of these are: Can be circulated freely: Anyone may use open source software and pass it on as often as he or she wishes. Availability of the source code: The software suite must contain the source code or this must be available at a freely accessible location. Modifications to the source code: The source code may be adapted to individual requirements and be passed on in this modified format. For example, Linux - by now a prominent open source operating system - was always known to be stable; however, in the beginning its only fans were in the server area. Configuration was too complicated and the user interface was not user-friendly enough, were the complaints. Advantages of open source The advantages are a result of the three core principles on which the open source software is based: Availability of the source code and the right to be able to modify it. As the source code is available, any interested developer can extend, improve or adapt it to individual requirements as he or she wishes. Errors and security gaps can quickly be discovered and rectified through the co-operation of programmers throughout the world. No commercially oriented company could possibly pay a similar number of developers nor react as quickly. The right to pass on an open source software application and all modifications...
Words: 1172 - Pages: 5
...1. How would you characterize the MySQL vs MariaDB problem? What were the key reasons for MariaDB's creation? Do you foresee this becoming the norm (corporate-community forks) or is this simply a set of really disagreeable personalities? Truly Open Source because all code in MariaDB is released under GPL, LPGL or BSD. MariaDB does not have closed source modules like the ones that can be found in MySQL Enterprise Edition. In fact, all the closed source features in MySQL 5.5 Enterprise Edition are found in the MariaDB open source version. MariaDB includes test cases for all fixed bugs. Oracle doesn't provide test cases for new bugs fixed in MySQL 5.5. All bugs and development plans are public. MariaDB is developed by the community in true open source spirit. MariaDB has a lot of new options, extension, storage engines and bug fixes that are not in MySQL. 2. How does GPL version 3 differ from GPL version 2? There are many differences between the two versions of the GNU Public License, but it’s important to note that GPLv3 serves as an alternative, rather than a replacement of GPLv2. The reason for this is that the two licenses are incompatible, and there is no legal way to combine any code that uses the GPLv2 with any code that will be used under the GPLv3. One of the common issues facing those who utilize GPLv2 software is the uncertainty as to whether other code that is used or distributed in conjunction with GPLv2 Code would be subject to the terms of the...
Words: 1284 - Pages: 6
...Closed Source Vs Open Source Pao Yang POS/335 03/06/2013 Mr. STERNIERI Closed Source Vs Open Source In the world of operating system we have two options to choose from these is Unix/Linux which is an open source, meaning that its source code made available and licensed with an open source license in which the copyright holder provides the rights to study change and distribute the software to anyone and for any purpose. The other option is the closed source such as Microsoft’s Window which is software released or distributed without the corresponding source code. Generally, it means only the binaries of a computer program are distributed and the license provides no access to the program's source code. The source code of such programs might be regarded as a trade secret of the company. Access to source code by third parties commonly requires the party to sign a non-disclosure agreement. I also will like to discuss what source codes are and why having the right combination will give us free bees. What some of the major differences between an open source and a closed source? I see it all over the internet the heated debate of which is better open source or closed source and even though both sides have good supporting evidence to back up their claim about every from which is more secured to who has the better functional software. The argument of Windows vs. Linux is a greatly debated one, and in recent years has become quite heated. Because Microsoft's attempt to recover...
Words: 1283 - Pages: 6
...YFOSBAPP Database A database is information organized in such a way that a computer program can quickly select pieces of data. You can think of it as an electronic filing system. A database is an organized collection of data. It is the collection of schemas, tables, queries, reports, views and other objects. Data Integration Data integration involves combining data residing in different sources and providing users with a unified view of these data. This process becomes significant in a variety of situations, which include both commercial (when two similar companies need to merge their databases) and scientific (combining research results from different bioinformatics repositories, for example) domains. Data integration appears with increasing frequency as the volume and the need to share existing data explodes. It has become the focus of extensive theoretical work, and numerous open problems remain Existing DBMSs provide various functions that allow management of a database and its data which can be classified into four main functional groups: Data definition – Creation, modification and removal of definitions that define the organization of the data. Update – Insertion, modification, and deletion of the actual data. Retrieval – Providing information in a form directly usable or for further processing by other applications. The retrieved data may be made available in a form basically the same as it is stored in the database or in a new...
Words: 4053 - Pages: 17
...COMMUNITY BASED SUPPORT FOR FREE SOFTWARE SUPPORT 1. It’s generally free – it has been estimated that open source software collectively saves businesses $60 billion a year. These days for virtually every paid for proprietary software system you will find an open source version. 2. It’s continually evolving in real time as developers add to it and modify it, which means it can be better quality and more secure and less prone to bugs than proprietary systems, because it has so many users poring over it and weeding out problems. 3. Using open source software also means you are not locked in to using a particular vendor’s system that only work with their other systems. 4. You can modify and adapt open source software for your own business requirements, something that is not possible with proprietary systems. http://entrepreneurhandbook.co.uk/open-source-software/ Benefits of community-based program design include gaining insight into the social context of an issue or problem, mutual learning experiences between consumer and provider, broadening understanding of professional roles and responsibilities within the community, interaction with professionals from other disciplines, and opportunities for community-based participatory research projects.[2] Increased sustainability is an advantage of community-based program design. The program sustainability is ensured by the identification of solutions to problems based on existing resources accessible to all community members. Also...
Words: 759 - Pages: 4
...OpenERP Open Source Business Applications Open Source Business Applications Nom du fichier – à compléter Management Presentation 1 Some Figures: achieved in 5 years The most advanced business application suite... The most advanced business application suite... The Product: The Product: •• 1000+ modules: accounting, stock, 1000+ modules: accounting, stock, project, manufacturing... project, manufacturing... •• 1000 installation per day 1000 installation per day •• Top References: La Poste, ENA, Bata, Top References: La Poste, ENA, Bata, Danone, Whirlpool, Tieto, etc. Danone, Whirlpool, Tieto, etc. The eco-system: The eco-system: •• Partners in 60 countries Partners in 60 countries •• 70% of partners generate more 70% of partners generate more than 50% of their revenues on than 50% of their revenues on OpenERP → strategic OpenERP → strategic •• Around 1000 developers Around 1000 developers •• Most active project on Launchpad Most active project on Launchpad (= Ubuntu dev plateform) (= Ubuntu dev plateform) •• 500 leads per day on OpenERP 500 leads per day on OpenERP The Company: The Company: •• 185 employees 185 employees •• U.S., Belgium, India U.S., Belgium, India •• Self Profitable Self Profitable Nom du fichier – à compléter Management Presentation 2 Services Nom du fichier – à compléter Management Presentation Open Source / Free Software Our Business Model Our Business Model Nom du fichier – à compléter ...
Words: 664 - Pages: 3
...Comparison of open source OS and closed source OS Ted Wallick University of Phoenix The definition of closed source Operating System(OS), is any OS made but it's code and functionality is private to the vendor that made it. The end user can neither look at it's core/kernel or change it in any way. If an end user needs a change made, a change request has to be sent to the vendor to get adjustments made. This is how most commercial software is developed. Microsoft Windows OS (PC and mobile), Apple OS X, IOS, and UNIX, are primary examples of closed OS. Closed OS has some Pros and Cons. Pros: * Vendors have complete control over hardware and functionality. * The vendor gets to set some standards with how software and hardware are developed to work with the OS. * Vendor controls Versions and updates * Vendor controls any security issues (personally I would not want this hot potato) * Vendor has some control over what 3rd party developers make * Easier for the OS vendor and 3rd party developers to make money. Cons: * Response to system exploits (things that allow hackers to do whatever) is slower than open source OS due to a limited amount of code monkeys that have intimate knowledge and access to the OS code base * Closed OSs cost end users money hand over fist. Major upgrades will cost money. Most 3rd party software will cost large amounts of money. This is only fair to the people that put great time, effort and money to develop the tools...
Words: 976 - Pages: 4
...become synonymous with monopoly and substandard software, while Linux is based on free, open source and the concept of open standards, full disclosure and sharing. Microsoft attempts to discourage consumers from using the Linux solution by suggesting that the operating system is less than perfect, yet it remains blind to its own operating system's problems existent within Windows 95/98 and Windows NT. It's a well-known fact that Microsoft dominate the software market despite these facts. Are they operating within legal and ethical boundaries? And is it possible that they could fall from grace because of this? `When you say "I wrote a program that crashed Windows", people just stare at you blankly and say "Hey, I got those with the system, *for free*".' (Linus Torvalds) Introduction Linux and Microsoft operating systems have been marketed very differently. The objectives of the two factions are very different indeed. One seems to be oriented towards market domination, market cornering and making the most amount of money it can, and the other towards creating a free, open source operating system. This may sound too simplistic with the two extremities, and may be a bit more complicated. This report will investigate into the differences in the way that the Linux and Microsoft operating systems have been developed and marketed, and how Microsoft rose to fame, and the possibilities of it's fall from grace. Open Source The significant difference between the Linux and...
Words: 1704 - Pages: 7
...IT INTEGRATION SYSTEM: ERP, e-‐Business & e-‐Commerce 1 IT INTEGRATION SYSTEM: ERP, e-‐Business & e-‐Commerce 1] Executive Summary ………………………………………………………… 3 1.1] Introduction & Problem Background ……………………..……... 3 2] eBusiness Solution ………………..………………………………………… 3-4 2.1] Enterprise Resource Planning …………………………………… 4-5 2.2] eCommerce ………………………………………………………... 5 3] Benefit of New System Integrations …..…………………………………… 5-6 4] Risks and Challenges of New System Integrations …..………………….. 6-7 5] Recommendation ……………………………………….………………..…. 7-10 5.1] Facing supplier and business partner (e-business)……………. 8-9 5.2] Internal Operation (ERP System) ……………………………….. 9 5.3] B2C and Customer-Facing Applications (e-commerce) ………. 9-10 6] Conclusion ……………………..…………………………………………….. 11 7] Part B …….…………………………………………………………………… 11 8] References ………………………………………………………………… 12-13 2 IT INTEGRATION SYSTEM: ERP, e-‐Business & e-‐Commerce 1.1 Introduction & Problem Background The innovation in ICT have been radically altering the way enterprises are organized and their relationship with the market, and by creating a new growth model that has been integrate to a global movement of market liberalization and expansion of tradable services (Tigre & Rovere, 2003). Electronic business or commonly known as e-business has becoming a...
Words: 3101 - Pages: 13
...Windows vs. Linux Enterprise Distribution Recommendation Introduction to UNIX Linux vs. Windows Enterprise Distribution Recommendation X Industries is a large sized business that is in the midst of a decision regarding wither or not to switch their existing Windows-based IT system over to a less proprietary product, Linux. This is no easy choice to make, considering X Industries is currently running 170+ Windows-based servers of various types. Their staff fulfills company operations on these servers with their 750+ array of desktop and laptop computers – all running Windows XP Professional. Linux may just be a little dog in the Microsoft park, but a company that makes the big switch can expect Linux to yield benefits in cost savings, increased security, and arguably better usability. However, each individual enterprise situation is always different, so a cookie cutter solution of which system to use will never suffice. Rather, the numbers through subjects of cost, market share, programming capabilities, software compatibility and availability, and the ever-important user interface will tell the best choice. Cost The only way to evaluate cost is to get down to the basics, and look at the statistics. The first topic of cost will center solely on the price for Windows operating system software, first for the network side, then the node side. Other topics will focus on the cost of the Ubuntu Linux distribution, which will run on the servers and desktops,...
Words: 3478 - Pages: 14
...those demands. In particular, it explains how the shift in value off proprietary hardware and onto open software stacks is happening in storage just as happened over the last decade with server virtualization. Enterprise storage as we have known it for the last four decades is facing significant internal and external pressures. The rapid growth of inexpensive or even free public cloud storage for consumers has created a bring-your-own storage grass-roots revolution demanding IT deliver simple self-service storage at costs far below current chargeback levels. At the same time the capacity requirements for user-generated content from sources like mobile applications is becoming a driving force in storage expansion. While public cloud options exist for enterprises they still have often unacceptable gaps in security and control despite their favorable economics compared to legacy on-premise storage. All of these factors are making it both technically and economically indefensible to just keep expanding your reliance on existing legacy NAS and SANs that suffer from years of vendor lock-in and are burdened by costly proprietary hardware. Something new is needed and the option of pushing data out to public cloud providers just isn’t feasible for organizations who need their storage to protect intellectual property and comply with regulations. But there is another cost-effective alternative. A new approach called Software-Defined Storage delivers reliable and secure private cloud storage...
Words: 4121 - Pages: 17
