Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages:

OSS in writing is the paragon of software. In essence, open source software is governed by rules such that it exists as an entity simulating the liberty of mankind. For example, the license states that OSS cannot restrict other software types or platform compatibility. Source code is licensed in such a way that modification is encouraged and is pliant in nature. With certain core code, a plethora of different applications can arise.

A single core package can lead to such programs as engineering and genetic analysis programs, business and employee management software, and personal-use programs to begin eliminating commercial software costs. As a result, software that would usually be discarded for the most current software with the newest features can be kept modern and contemporary by user-developers. By lengthening the lives of software, it will prove to be infinitely more efficient to produce patches for convenience.

Disadvantages:

Roadblocks exist that hinder the full implementation of an open source-based community. The initial developer must have some sort of motivation other than monetary reasons, for he or she will not receive any compensation other than what can be had through writing and developing the source code. In addition, given the resource-less nature of open source software, it is disadvantageous to the spread of OSS in general if advertising does not complement the growing software. Finally, with the world of online intellectual property being such a highly debated arena, OSS will have to find some way to eliminate all possession issues that will occur.