Adoption of open source software (Linux) in a financial firm

Abstract

In this project we would be studying adoption of open source software in a financial firm, which operates from Wall St and has approximately 3000 employees in its Information Technology department. The Organization under study was using technology not just as means of automating its processes, but as tool which provides competitive advantage against it competitors. This study was carried out through series of interviews with the Information Technology specialists and Top Management of the organization, the people who were responsible for decisions and policies regarding open source. The purpose of these interviews was to uncover the following aspects of open source adoption Primary reasons for moving to open source. Which Open source software was chosen and why Study that was done before the decision was taken TCO Calculation and their benefits Open source software evaluation process Issues that were for seen and the planning done to counter them Security Concerns Intellectual Property concerns Policies for usage of open source. The first part of this paper we would cover all the theoretical aspects related to open source software adoption with emphasis on Linux, as it was the software for which the organization did a comprehensive study and planning before adopting it. Meaning of Open Source Open source by definition means that source code is available along with the binaries. Open Source Software (OSS) is a software that can be copied, distributed with or without modifications, and that may be offered with or without fee. If the end-users make any alterations to the software he can choose to keep those changes private if the OSS license permits (refer to the open source licenses). Open Source licenses are certified by Open Source Initiative (OSI) a non-profit research and educational association with the mission to own and defend open source trademark and advance cause of OSS. Although OSS has come to lime light recently it has been in existence since early 1960'sand has shown successful track record till date. Some of the examples of popular open source products include Emacs, GNU Toolset, Apache, Send Mail and Linux. Open source products today are available in allOpen Source model relies on network of individuals who are spread across the globe but develop and debug the code in parallel, these individuals are usually dispersed across the globe communicate and develop through the help of internet. These developers submit their modifications, which are then scrutinized by the delegated leaders of the project who accept these modifications on the basis of their merits.