Open Source Software: Free is not Exactly Inexpensive

Open Source Software (OSS) refers to software that is freely transferable to other users without charge. It is seen by many in the software industry as a mechanism to promote cost effective re-use and indeed it can reduce development costs and schedules. However, the use of OSS carries the potential of copyright infringement, which typically is not mitigated by supplier indemnities. Too many software developers rarely think about licensing issues when downloading a “good piece of free code” or a “free application”. Further if one is using OSS for Mission / Safety Critical or Information Assurance, there are additional product certification processes that can add enormous cost to the development effort. It is not the authors’intention to provide a balance trade study or pro-con discussion of OSS vs. proprietary software but to raise the key points based on copyright and licensing compliance, and safety / security assurance issues that potential users must consider in using OSS. These problems are not usually at issue in purchasing proprietary software since appropriately authorized IT and legal personnel are involved in these purchases which include the licensing rights and Terms and Conditions of use from the vendor. All these risks have to be assessed and appreciated before one can say “it is free and it is cost effective!”