Open source software is available for free, along with its source code, and it has developed its own substantial following since the early days of computing. The best known implementations are in infrastructure areas, with the well-known Linux, Java, and PHP packages. Recently, it has gained added attention due to its central role in cloud IT, and through the growing Linux-based Android ecosystem. There are many open source programs available...
Brian J Dooley reports in Reseller News on the range of opportunities available to resellers in open source technology, originally published Thursday, 22 March 2012:
Anderson.net [now pentuple.co.nz] is an Auckland-based consultancy and open source developer run by Dave Anderson. “I personally contribute to several different open source software projects and am the primary developer of several packages available for the xTuple open source ERP [enterprise resource planning] software,” says Anderson. “On the services side, my team is pretty much full time supporting open source in several businesses.”
Anderson sees Linux or Apache gaining greater popularity, but notes that there are many open source applications that would benefit New Zealand businesses if they were willing to try them, and if there was available support.
Among key FOSS [Full and Open Source Software] projects, Anderson counts Ubuntu Linux. “This is open source that provides a beautiful and easy to use desktop for all users,” he says. “Ubuntu Server is gaining in popularity on the cloud and in the server room. Ubuntu TV and Ubuntu on Android are truly exciting projects. Another interesting project is Raspberry Pi, an open source hardware project.”
Virtualisation has been an enabler of open source. “Virtualisation allows easy install and setup of open source solutions. You do not need specific technical or application knowledge to get started with Virtual Machines (VMs), so this increases adoption. There are already many VM appliances available. These are complete open source server environments available online from sources such as Bitnami.”
Although open source continues to gain momentum, there are still some significant factors holding it back. “A key issue is fear of the unknown,” says Anderson. “Businesses fear trying software that has limited support. This is easily resolved by choosing the software wisely (as should be done in any case), and looking for commercially supported open source, or for software with easily available support.”
Editor's note: Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Reseller News is a fortnightly newspaper with a news website, newsletters and a social networking presence. It has a strong focus on the business opportunities for the channel, tech products and market trends, along with an emphasis on people stories and local developments.
Photo credit: Squiggle on Flickr
Dave Anderson
Open Source technologist with a focus on the application of open source in business. In particular I have experience implementing xTuple ERP, SAP, Pentaho Business Intelligence and Data Integration, and web-based applications using the LAMP and Java platforms. Specific experience in the installation, implementation and configuration of the xTuple ERP system. I am the primary developer behind the Fixed Asset extension package for the xTuple ERP system which now includes modules for Depreciation and Maintenance. Specialties: xTuple ERP Implementation, Configuration, and Development. Based in New Zealand.