What Open Source Can do for Your Business
There are a few reasons a business should consider open source, but first and foremost are the cost savings. A recent report conducted by auditors of the cash-strapped state of California recommended open source.
“The state should more extensively consider use of open source software, which can in many cases provide the same functionality as closed source software at a much lower total cost of ownership,?reads the report
The more business-oriented the open source program, the more user-friendly in tends to be. The free office suites, for example, are just as easy to use as their proprietary version. E-mail programs with the same functionality as Microsoft Outlook are freely available and can even import e-mail from other programs.
Other reasons a company might want to consider open source are security and stability. Because the bugs tend to get worked out of open source software very quickly, most programs are more stable than their proprietary counterparts, and open source proponents say they are more secure, as well.
The better security of open source software is hotly debated in the software world, however. Established proprietary software sellers say that the better security of open source is a myth. Regardless, organizations like online brokerage firm Ameritrade and the country of Brazil both think open source applications are secure enough to use.
One more reason a business might consider open source software is customization. If programming talent is available, chances are a company can get the exact program they want for their particular business needs.
Where to Start
Here are a few of the most common, easiest-to-use business applications:
Firefox: The web browser that's a reincarnation of the Netscape browser, which helped start the open source movement as we know it today. Users say Firefox is faster than Internet Explorer and has better security features. One drawback is that not all websites are Firefox-compliant, so users may not be able to log in to their favorite sites. Available here.
Koffice: Free, but as of this writing is only available in the open source KDE desktop environment and for Macintosh OSX. A Windows version is underway. Available here.
OpenOffice: A free suite of office tools developed by Sun Microsystems, available here.
StarOffice: A low-cost office suite with the a full range of office tools and advanced functionality (print to PDF, interoperability with Microsoft documents, etc.), available here.
Thunderbird: A free desktop e-mail application from the same people who developed the Firefox web browser. Users say it's more customizable than Outlook and has better spam controls. Available here.
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