Open Source Solutions: When To Use?

Modern digital products are distributed under several fundamentally different licenses.

One of them is the GPL 3, or so-called “public license”, which provides all users with access to the source code of an IT solution.

Programs and platforms distributed in this way can be an excellent alternative to “proprietary” software, as they are usually free and available to upgrade.

I offer you a brief introduction to the nuances of this type of software:

• Features of Open-Source Solutions
• Open-Source Examples
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Open-Source Solutions
• When Is the Best Time to Use Open-Source Solutions?

Features of Open-Source Solutions

According to Market Growth Reports, the revenue of OSS (Open Source Software) market will reach over $75.2 billion by 2031. This shows that the demand for “free” software is gradually increasing.

Open Source Solutions are software products developed by enthusiasts or even commercial organizations. They have many features, including:

The GPL 3 license that allows for any type of product code corrections, application algorithms, and distribution.

As a rule, the availability of a 100% free version of the program for non-commercial users.

Full transparency of code, libraries, and algorithms for working with data, which any specialist can check.

Among the most bright examples of such software, we can single out Linux, the market share of which has increased to 4.03% over the last period.

GPL 3 is Not a Sentence for Software

The following are some of the most striking examples of GPL 3-based software solutions used by both ordinary users and developers:

• Linux. A 100% free, highly modular operating system for home and corporate use, as well as server deployment.
• GIMP. A free graphic editor with a powerful set of features and functions.
• Blender. A complete package for 3D modeling, animation, and scene rendering.
• WordPress. An extremely popular framework for the development of websites, blogs, and even online stores.
• PHP. A programming language, one of the most popular among modern developers.
• Odoo. An open-source suite of business applications that includes CRM, e-commerce, accounting, inventory, project management, and more.

But not only operating systems and basic programs are present in this category of digital solutions.

It is quite possible to find quite specific products such as CRM, ERP, WMS, office suites, and even AI-based platforms.

Although it seems that OSS is a good alternative to commercial software, it is still worthwhile to objectively evaluate its strengths and weaknesses before switching to products of this class.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Open-Source Solutions

In short, you can do anything with OSS: edit code, modify and release as your own iteration, and deploy products in commercial infrastructure.

In addition, this type of software has many additional advantages:

• You know exactly how and why functions, data, and APIs are used.
• The product is usually free for personal use.
• The platform is developed by professionals and enthusiasts, and each iteration undergoes rigorous testing.
• A system or product can be deployed on any OS or cloud.

The solutions have a strong protection system and are typically compatible with innovations and the latest technologies.

To work with OSS, basic hardware is enough, sometimes even Raspberry Pi level.

As for the disadvantages, they are also present here. However, they can be called quite subjective.

In particular:

• Availability of a commercial version of the software.
• Potential risks if the system is connected to a public cloud.
• Some limitations in terms of operations and functions or in terms of UX.

Yes, I cannot call OSS an ideal option for everyone, but based on such products, you can create fairly cheap and effective software solutions for business.

When Is the Best Time to Use Open-Source Solutions?

We have already seen examples of the massive migration of Chinese government and enterprise PCs to Linux. But Europe is just beginning its path to independence.

Only this year, one of the German states switched to LibreOffice and announced plans to install Linux on more than 30,000 government PCs. As the initiators of the changes explained, it is much cheaper and safer than using Microsoft products.

I can neither agree with this statement nor deny it.

However, I know for sure that Open-Source Solutions can turn out to be the best solution in several cases, in particular if you need:

• Cost reduction.
• Improved controllability
• Alternative software variations.
• Access to innovation.
• Infrastructure optimization.

Let's review each points so that you can learn more about the potential reasons for using OSS.

Cost Reduction

As I said, most open-source software is free. However, for corporations, paid variations are offered, which differ from free ones by the presence of more robust functionality, certain automations, and extended support (including personalization).

Even taking into account the last fact, the use of Open-Source Solutions is more economically feasible for business, especially in terms of costs for periodic licenses and software modernization.

Improved Controllability

You can edit the program code without any restrictions. That is, add new functions, change the design, integrate third-party solutions via API, even connect LLMs or bots based on artificial intelligence.

Also, you usually have the opportunity to use these products only partially, that is, exactly the functions you need here and now, without paying for the rest of the features.

Search for Alternatives

Yes, privacy and transparency concerns can sometimes prompt a switch to “free” software. This is the case with Office 365 and the LibreOffice alternative. The latter runs locally (although it can synchronize with your cloud) and provides full access to the platform code, making it a more reliable and secure option.

The same applies to OSS CRM, ERP, DB, etc., that is, complex systems that you can control, modernize, and save on it.

Access to Innovation

Enthusiasts and non-profit organizations are among the first to break into the fields of innovation, mastering new technologies and adding them to programs. Yes, conditionally, modern LLMs are also mostly OSS and can be freely used by representatives of this class of programs to improve functionality.

Infrastructure Optimization

Your digital platform can contain dozens of solutions, such as system modules, third-party software, utilities, etc. And not all of them organically synchronize with the rest of the available tools.

With OSS, you can implement APIs and additional functions with your own hands, for example, for data exchange between systems. And it's really more convenient than looking for compromises or spamming your software provider's inbox with requests.

Let's Summarize

Open Source Solutions have both advantages and disadvantages, so they cannot be called an ideal solution for any business.

It can be a good alternative to both critical and very mediocre software components of your digital infrastructure.

And what do you think about Open-Source Solutions? Share your thoughts in the comments!