The one thing that makes the difference between open source software and proprietary software is thought to be security
. However, security means way more than just sound programming. Constant and common sense vigilance are in order. Each website should be monitored, as there is no such thing as an unhackable code, open or closed. The question it's not if, but when.
That's why security should not be one of the criteria to rely on when rejecting open source software. Here are some of most important 7 advantages of using this type of software:
1. Using open source software has significant advantages for the company using it, as well as for the community. It allows to a large numbers of developers to improve this product and redistribute it. This is why open source software is a true benefit for the whole community.
2. Opens source software is more flexible. Open source codes allow you to see how the program works and how to approach it in order to exchange or share data. That's why it's really simple adapting programs so that they can work with each other.
3. Lower acquisition costs. Proprietary software costs are considerably higher than those of open source software. Actually, in most cases, open source software is free and expenses for documentation and support are quite low.
4. You don't have to worry about licenses. You can install the software multiple times and you can use it from anywhere.
5. Open source software allows easy debugging thanks to access to source code.
6. When using this type of software you can benefit from its use by a large community. That means you can get a lot of advice from many software users and developers.
7. You can choose from lots of software suppliers whenever you want. Open source code makes impossible for one vendor to see himself as your only provider and then take advantage of this situation.