Two Reasons behind a Sustainable Open Source Software Market

Critics of the open source software market often claim that it is inherently unstable and unsustainable, that market forces will eventually cause open source developers to abandon their projects for more lucrative commercial ones, thus heralding the downfall of the open source phenomenon. However, such critics often forget that open source software is not a recent development; it is a decades-old development philosophy which is behind some of the most important modern technologies.

Reason #1: Power to the Users

The open source approach represents a shift in power from distributors to users. While the traditional proprietary approach locked out users from participating in the development process – or even troubleshooting their own problems – an open source model encourages such participation.

In a commercial, proprietary business model, software is a product whose life is tied to that of its manufacturer. If Microsoft were to suddenly disappear, its operating system would quickly become outdated, incompatible – and, without open source code for third-party developers to build on, subsequently disappear itself.

With open source software, however, users are separated from developers not by legal barriers, but only by their own skill and commitment to a given project. Even if the original circle of developers falls apart, end users of open source software are easily able to start their own initiatives and sustain the life of the application.

Reason #2: Hidden Profits

It’s true; open source software cannot survive on the same business model as proprietary developers – but it doesn’t have to. Contrary to popular opinion, OSS developers can and do profit off their endeavors, thus insulating them from the market forces so touted by open source critics.

Although making money with open source software is not as straightforward as selling a program to consumers, it is far from impossible. The key is indirect benefit. Companies are often willing and eager to gain a competitive edge by funding the development of open source software critical to their industries. Researchers with educational institutions are provided with university and government grants for their work. Developers can market the expertise they gain from working on open source projects. In many ways, open source software is every bit as profitable as its proprietary counterpart.

For open source fundraising software, contact MPower at 800.562.5150 today.