Open Source Software

What is Open Source Software?

  1. Open-source software (OSS) is computer software that is available in source code form: the source code and certain other rights normally reserved for copyright holders are provided under an open-source license that permits users to study, change, improve and at times also to distribute the software.

  2. Normally developed in a public collabrative manner

Source Code??

  1. Source code lays out logic instructions for computer to process and understandable by human beings

  2. Compiled into bytecode for software interpreter and then further compiled to machine code for cpu to read

Organisational Benefits from using OS Software

  1. Flexibility and Freedom

    Choose solutions suitable to the needs of user and then customize UX from there

  2. Code Re-Use

    Modules written in-house can be shared across projects.

  3. Security and Reliability

    Security defects patched and fixed within hours of being discovered. Developers also provide enhancements/new features.

  4. Affordability

    Usually no cost or licensing fees

  5. Transparency

    Roadmap with project milestones

  6. Support Options

    Vibrant online communities and many projects have paid support options for businesses.

When not to use Open Source Solutions

  • Customization and full control of UX isn't required

  • No developers on-site for critical systems. Definitely want commercial software for technical support.

    • Water.org OS Stack

  • Nginx

    Load balance server. 22.2 mil of active sites across all domains.

  • Gunicorn

    Application server development based on OS Ruby project. 778 members on github.

  • Python/Django

    Programming language and main web framework. Brains of the system

  • Postgresql

    Most advanced open source database project.

  • Linux

    August 2011 W3Techs reports 63.9% of all servers are on Unix like operating system.

  • jQuery

    Client side scripting language.

  • Some Projects built on OS Software

    Water.org, give.Water.org, power.Water.org, twakeover.Water.org, Konnen, WaterDay.org, team.Water.org, ToiletDay.org, my.Water.org, etc...

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