Open Source: Statistics

Description:

Now that Microsoft even distributes his software in an open source form, is seems that open source has become a serious competitor of the traditional dominating closed source. In the past couple of years the usage of open source software increased especially regarding web servers. Websites like hotscripts.com provide several of applications for business as well as for personal usage.

The cost of closed source software plays a very important role in the usage of open source software in stead of closed source software. Now that the world is getting smaller and smaller each day through the internet, mobile phones and other communication devices, the supply and popularity of web logs, mail clients and fora is increasing. People wants to stay in touch and know what is happening 24/7 if possible. The owners of these web logs, mail clients and for a mostly are not financial capable to run expensive web servers at their homes. So the alternative is quite obvious; using open source software. With the improvement that are made regarding variety and stability, open source has become a serious competitor of the traditional dominating closed source software.

PHP, Apache, Linux are just a few of the most popular usage of open source nowadays. While the supply of not-so-alternative-anymore-software is growing and improving compared with the traditional software, so is the demand.

Enablers:

• Cost of software development
  
• Contracts with companies like Microsoft
  
• People with a critical look on software expenses (tight budget)
  

Inhibitors:

• Open source developments
• Anti-trust lawsuits against standard software suppliers.
• Quite high prices for standard software

Paradigms:

Developments like these will decrease the domination of companies like Microsoft

Experts:

• Software developers
• Business ICT managers

Timing:

No information is needed to understand this driving force.