Open Source Software
Many businesses don’t know that a wide range of Open Software is available for free.
Open Source Software is often of a higher standard than propriatory software
Far from being low quality freeware much of it is used to power some of the most high profile sites on the internet and run some of the most critical business systems believable. Many day to day tasks such as using a satnav system and logging on to the internet are reliant on open source. Take away open source and there would be no Google or E-bay and planes would fall from the skies.
A different approach to software development
Free software may look far too good to be true but many software developers have found that they are able to be more productive by freely sharing common place software such as e-commerce and content management systems while they get on with developing really complex systems.
So while the developers are working hard on new and innovative software that means that many great software applications are free for businesses to use. Another advantage to Open Source software is that it programmers can work “work under the bonnet” of the applications to improve them and shape them to do a better job.
Lack of awareness about Open Source Software in the UK
In the UK, on the whole, businesses have been slow to pick up on Open Source software opportunities and so EMDA have made assistance available to businesses in the region through the European Regional Development Fund.
Through the Open Source project EMNET is able to offer help to businesses to get Open Source applications from the download site and into operation.
Support from the East Midlands Regional Development Agency
If you are a business the Open Source project is designed to help you get the most out of Open Source software.
If you are looking to deploy new systems or upgrade old ones Open source may hold the solution for you to reduce costs, speed up development and avoid lock ins by suppliers.
More information on the project
Companies that would like to find out more about available support through the project can sign up their interest or call EMNET direct on 0115 956 8260 to speak to a member of the projects team.
Additional resources will be added to this site soon.
