Considering Open Source and Commercial Software

摘要

The growing popularity of open source has altered the software industry landscape in a dramatic way in recent years. Few technical subject matters today are as passionately debated as that surrounding open source and commercial software - two prominent models of software licensing and development. Policy concerns surrounding commercial and open source software have also confounded Governments around the world. In particular, open source is often seen as a possible solution to some of the challenges presently faced in various countries, especially among developing nations. Such challenges include grappling with cost and security concerns, desiring greater control over software that is acquired, dealing with broader policy perspectives on software piracy and developing a thriving domestic software industry. With a view to assist decision-makers discern the issues in this debate, we will examine the key considerations to be taken into account in making software policy decisions.