open source by andy akhtar of scet

Open SourceAn overview of Open Source

Presented by Andy Akhtar

Scottish Centre For Enabling Technologies

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Tuesday, 2 November 2010

What is Open Source Software?

✤ Free access to source code.

✤ Right to redistribute code.

✤ Rights to modify code and redistribute the modified code.

✤ Not necessarily free to use.

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Web hosting chooses

Windows Linux

License Type Proprietary Open Source

Web Server IIS Apache

Database SQL Server MySQL

Scripting ASP.NET PHP


Types of License

✤ GPL - GNU General Public License (GPL 2.0 /GPL 3.0)

✤ Apache License, Version 2

✤ BSD - Template License

✤ Mozilla Public License (MPL)

✤ Microsoft Public License (Ms-PL)

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What’s available

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Open Source Application

✤ Office tools - Word processor, Spreadsheet, Accounting

✤ Databases

✤ Web tool - CMS, Web server, Browsers, Shopping cart

✤ Productivity software - CRM

✤ Development Tools - IDE

✤ LAMP

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Proprietary Software

✤ Microsoft Windows

✤ Oracle Database

✤ Sage Accounts

✤ Adobe Flash

✤ Apple Mac OS

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Proprietary Software

✤ Source code closed.

✤ Source code access often available to partners only.

✤ Not always charged for. Can still be free.

✤ Distribution limited.

✤ End user agreement.

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Benefits of Open Source

✤ Initial Cost - Generally free

✤ Set up time - Download and start using

✤ Available support - Many sources

✤ Security and bug fixing - Fast turn around

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Drawback of Open Source

✤ Often written by programmers for programmers

✤ Set up can often be difficult requiring other file

✤ If the community is small, documentation and support may be limited

✤ If the community is small, security and bug fixes may be insufficient due to limited peer review.

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Total Cost of Ownership

✤ Zero purchase price.

✤ Free to copy, no need to buy extra licenses.

✤ No vendor lock in - Open standards and file formats used.

✤ IT strategy not strongly linked to software supplier.

✤ Runs on older equipment, extending it useful life.

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Support and Training

✤ Online support - Forums, Guides, email and video.

✤ Seminars

✤ Paid for support - Training courses, phone

✤ Consultants.

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Scenario

✤ A small theatre company.

✤ Produce some of their own marketing material.

✤ Want to take bookings and payment for tickets and merchandise online.

✤ They want to be able to update their site themselves.

✤ Want to post news and events on web site.

✤ Would like a forum for regular patrons to discuss shows and events.

✤ Would like a gallery to display photographs and video of performances.

✤ Sign up members (Friends of the Theatre).

✤ Would like a central way of storing details about events, meetings, campaigns and contacts: artist, staff and members.

✤ They have many visitor whose first language is not English. They would like some parts of the web site to be available in several languages. 13


Scenario

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Linux Apache Web Server MySQL DB Server Language


What’s best for me?

✤ Depends on your type of business.

✤ What do you intend to use the software for?

✤ How important is direct support to you?

✤ Have you got the skills required to use the software?

✤ Is integration and compatibility with other software required?

✤ Is price a major factor?

✤ Does it fit with your IT strategy?15


How do I proceed?

✤ Decide what you want the software to do.

✤ Identify potential software, both open source and proprietary.

✤ Compare the features. Do you need the extra features?

✤ What hardware do you need?

✤ Try out the demos available or download and install on Laptop.

✤ Ask for a second opinion.

✤ Try before you buy!!16


Thank you

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✤ Further Information and links visit: www.ictthatworks.org/drupal/opensource

✤ email: [email protected]


http://www.ictthatworks.org/drupal/opensource

http://www.ictthatworks.org/drupal/opensource

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

open source by andy akhtar of scet

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