To cite an example of its unwavering promise, enterprises can always look at Google and RedHat as just two of the well known proponents of open source software. But considering that we are an SMB-dominated dog-eat-dog environment, what is the true value of the open source software? Are there risks to integrating open source codes to your system?

WHY USE OPEN SOURCE?

Open source's very own openness has attracted companies from various industries like manufacturing, customer service, health care, retail and even the government.

Although reasons for deployment depend on the type of business and its main purpose of implementation, undeniably, one of the most outstanding factors for companies--especially for start-ups-- is the fact that it is "free of cost." Mosbeau Senior IT Supervisor, Erwin John Monfero, roughly compares an open source software with a proprietary software. Monfero shares a proprietary software can cost a company Php 40,000 more, while an open source software, with equal capabilities, can be obtained for free. At Value Care Health Systems, open source has spared them from annual license fees and other technical fees. "We have used open source for three years already," says Information and Communication Technology Manager, Jeffrey B. Copiaco. Government is also benefitting from open source. Philippine National Police, Police Senior Inspector and Chief of Web Services and Cyber Security Division, Engr. Allan S. Cabanlong, finds open source software as "the most cost-effective strategy in developing web application systems." "As we all know, limited budget is one of the predicaments that our government is facing with IT systems; that is why we opted to take advantage of the open source technologies in order to support the development of all of our web and online applications."

However, in several cases, "cost is not the only factor, in fact most of the time cost is totally not the factor," stresses RedHat Asean General Manager, Damien Wong. Open source does not only mean it is available to the public for free consumption, but also, it means having a flexible tool for application and web development. As software developers and companies' IT teams work on different projects, they can leverage on this backbone to produce a competitive and reliable application. "The game has changed; we are no longer dictated by our dependencies on products of private software companies," explains Orange & Bronze Vice President for Consulting Services, Mike Mallete. "Knowledge is very much accessible as well on a global scale. I don't see any company not benefiting from that."