An Open Source software is one, that is free to use, redistributable under licenses that comply with the Open Source Definition. From business perspective Open Source is more preferred rather than the closed source for the following reasons:

• For Open Source Software, individuals or organizations do not have to pay for software licenses.
• Open Source provides a platform for bug fixing and modifying the source code.
• Open Source software continuously evolves as more and more developers contribute to it.

Some of the well-known OSS include the LINUX kernel, browser Mozilla Firefox, Apache web-server and the list goes on.

Pros and Cons of Open Source and Closed Source

1. Service

Open Source software relies mainly on community to deliver support. At times these support fails to deliver higher level of response.

Closed source support are readily available. Little technical skills with ongoing support is required. Support also includes user manuals and point of contacts for immediate assistance.

2. Security

As most of the applications in Open Source is based on LINUX, security is much higher. Open source software is more secure because of the way they are developed.

A closed software is generally seen as more secure because it is developed in a controlled environment by a concentrated team with a common direction. This team is the only group that can view or edit the source code, it is heavily audited and the risk of backdoor Trojans or bugs are reduced.

3. Hardware Support

Many times it is found latest closed source software requires newer configuration and do not run on the older systems. On the other hand, Open Source Systems are developed in such a fashion that they execute on all systems without hindrance.

Market Speakers

The closed source, Apple has fewer users and much fewer apps. Semi-open platform Windows consistently generated better revenue rather than Apple. One simple psychology that MS works over is its third-party support.

Open-source software has a large support base. Fixes issues with a short time frame and undergoes a constant upgrade. The most popular open-source Android OS is accepted and used by people rather than other OS. Android has also larger market share and earned higher profit compared to other platforms.