Free Software
Often also referred to as "open-source software" or "libre software", the term "free software" refers to an idea that software can be "free, as in freedom". Freedom in this instance means the ability to change the software, or share the software.
Why might this be important? The ability to change software is very useful if you're a developer, but even as a consumer of software you should be aware of the advantages of free software. The main difference you would notice is that most free software products are multi-vendor: this is different to proprietary software, which tends to be single vendor. The advantages, among others, are:
- multi-vendorship means that if you're unhappy with your current service provider, you can move with ease;
- you own your data - critical business information is not locked up in proprietary file formats;
- software licensing costs are predictable and controllable, you don't need to upgrade because your vendor has a new version of their software out;
- open source code and open standards mean that barriers to system interoperation are removed, and value can be derived from running your systems in symphony;
Stratagia has a wealth of expertise using these technologies - contact us to find out how they could make a difference to your business.
