An Open Source Eye-Opener: The Basics of Open Source

As open source software (OSS) continues to mature and move into the mainstream, businesses are under increasing pressure to understand what OSS is and how it is used and licensed. What makes OSS different from proprietary software is the unique structure under which it is developed, licensed and distributed. Source code for OSS must be made freely available for use or modification as users or other developers see fit; typically, with proprietary software, only the object code is made available and modifications thereto are prohibited. Open source proponents are quick to point to the potential rewards and benefits associated with OSS, including a reduced development cycle, lower development costs, improved product reliability and stability, lower costs, increased flexibility and decreased vendor "lock-in". However, the use of OSS presents a number of legal risks which a business needs to consider in order to ensure that these risks are appropriately managed within its enterprise.