Open source software is software whose source code can be viewed, modified, and distributed by anyone. World-renowned projects like Linux, WordPress, PostgreSQL, and React are products of the open source community. Open source adoption in the business world continues to grow year after year, with even large enterprises strategically embracing it.
Why Is Open Source on the Rise?
Cost Advantage
Open source software has no licensing fees or very low ones. For SMEs in particular, this translates to savings of thousands of dollars in licensing costs. However, when evaluating total cost of ownership, installation, customization, and maintenance costs should also be factored in.
Flexibility and Customization
Since you have access to the source code, you can customize the software to match your business processes. With commercial software, you often hear “that’s how it works, we can’t change it” — with open source, there are no such limits.
Security and Transparency
Code reviewed by thousands of developers enables faster detection of security vulnerabilities. The principle of “many eyes make all bugs shallow” is the foundation of open source security.
Community Support
Active open source projects have large developer communities. Forums, documentation, and continuously updated plugins can be as effective as commercial support.
Open Source in the Business World
- Web servers: Nginx, Apache — powering over 80% of the internet
- Databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB
- Content management: WordPress — used by 43% of all websites
- Containerization: Docker, Kubernetes
- Programming languages: Python, PHP, Node.js, Go
- Business intelligence: Metabase, Apache Superset
TAGUM’s Open Source Approach
At TAGUM, we actively use and support open source technologies. PratikEsnaf.Net is built on PHP and PostgreSQL, while ixir.ai is powered by Python-based AI libraries. By delivering the best combination of open source and commercial solutions, we provide our clients with both cost advantages and enterprise-grade reliability.
To get consulting on open source solutions, explore our IT consulting services.
