What is Open Source software (specifics)

Open Source software is defined by the fact that every user has access to its source code. This means not just using the software, but also modifying, improving and redistributing it. This transparency creates an environment of collaboration and innovation open to all developers.

Adopting Open Source software offers flexibility for companies wishing to adapt the solution to their specific needs, without being dependent on a particular publisher. Many software products, such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux or the Git version manager, perfectly illustrate the benefits of this collaborative model.

The usefulness of Open Source extends beyond software development. It encourages learning and knowledge-sharing between industry professionals. For example, Agile, DevOps, Scrum and Kanban projects benefit greatly from the Open Source spirit and principles. Platforms like Tuleap promote these methodologies by providing tools designed for collaboration and project management.

In the field of training and knowledge acquisition, organizations have access to a multitude of resources such as webinars, online documentation, and supportive communities, such as those around Open Source Initiative projects. These resources are particularly rich and diverse, as they are the fruit of multiple contributions from across the software industry.

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The differences between free and open source software

The terms Free Software and Open Source are often confused. Yet there is a fundamental difference between the two. Free software, popularized by Richard Stallman's GNU project, emphasizes user freedoms: the freedom to use, study, modify and redistribute software.

Open Source, on the other hand, initiated by the Open Source Initiative, emphasizes the practical benefits of open code sharing, without necessarily having an ethical or philosophical basis. Thus, all free software is Open Source, but the reverse is not automatically true. Indeed, some Open Source software may impose restrictions on the type of modifications or redistribution permitted.

Here is a list of the key differences between the two concepts:

• Free software emphasizes user freedoms, while Open Source focuses on the practical benefits of open code sharing.
• Richard Stallman's GNU project is emblematic of free software, while the Open Source Initiative was at the origin of the promotion of Open Source.
• Free software generally guarantees users greater freedom to modify and redistribute their software than some Open Source software, which may impose restrictions.
• Open source is often associated with a pragmatic approach to collaboration and software development, while free software is often based on stronger ethical and philosophical values.

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The differences between open source and proprietary software

The distinction between Open Source and proprietary software is based on the question of freedom of access and modification of source code. Proprietary software, such as Microsoft Windows, does not allow users to access, modify or redistribute its source code.

The user acquires a license which confers certain rights, but also numerous restrictions. In contrast, Open Source software actively encourages users to explore and improve the code according to the terms of the license under which it is distributed. The result is greater flexibility and adaptability for the end user.

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Is open source software free?

The equation Open Source = free is an often-taken but partially inaccurate shortcut. While a lot of Open Source software is indeed available free of charge, free software is not a defining condition of Open Source.

Open Source licenses enable their developers to offer the software on a paid-for basis, notably to finance support, documentation and training. It is therefore essential not to confuse no-cost with Open Source, and to consider the various business models that accompany such software.

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How do you know if software is open source?

To determine whether software is Open Source, we need to refer to its license. The criteria defined by the Open Source Initiative (OSI) are often used as a guideline: free redistribution, access to source code, derivative works and integrity of the original author's code, among others, are among these conditions. It is therefore essential to read and understand the software license to ensure that it complies with these principles. Projects validated by the OSI generally display a logo attesting to their compliance with Open Source standards.

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Complementarity between PIM like Quable and open source software

A Product Information Management (PIM) like Quable is not Open Source, but SaaS... PIM enables all product information to be centralized and harmonized across different sales channels and platforms. 

However, the values of transparency and collaboration promoted by Open Source can be replicated in the management of a PIM, reinforcing the efficiency and agility of the company's omnichannel process.

For more information on product information management systems, please consult our comprehensive glossary.

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