1. The
"Many Eyes" Argument:
Open source advocates claim that access to source code allows developers
to look for vulnerabilities, bugs, and malicious code so that problems
can be identified and fixed quickly. This argument in favor of open
source revolves around the concept of peer
review. The theory is that, if source code is made public and anyone
(qualified) can examine it, the odds are much greater that security
flaws will be promptly identified and fixed.
In contrast, users of proprietary, or closed source, software depend
on the vendor to identify and fix vulnerabilities. The vendor is usually
motivated to find and fix bugs (consider how many viruses, worms, and
Trojan horses are sensationalized on the evening news), but unfortunately,
because features and gadgets are often what sell software, these vendors
tend to emphasize changes to their software that are more appealing
to the end user.
2. The Interoperability Argument:
Open source proponents often point out that open source software is
subject to open standards of interoperability, which means it usually
works with a variety of integrated systems. In contrast, closed source
software is subject to proprietary standards, which means it is often
difficult to integrate it into a preexisting system.
3. The Trust Argument:
Another potentially dangerous problem with closed source software is
deeply entwined with the notion of trust. For example, both Microsoft
and Real Networks have been found to be using hidden features built
into Windows software to collect potentially sensitive private information
about users. Both of the software manufacturers were building large
databases of information tied to individual users and PC's through these
hidden features. The very presence of hidden features in closed source
software raises some privacy and security issues.
Advocates of open source software point out that features such as these
simply can not be hidden in an open source environment; once again,
with many eyes examining the code, such hidden features would be found.
Perhaps this is why The President's Information Technology Advisory
Committee, as well as nations such as France, have adopted open source
software for their infrastructure.
4. The "Closed for Business" Argument:
One of the more practical arguments in favor of open source software
is that it is essentially public domain software. Open source software
does not depend upon any one business or organization for its longevity;
if one person stops looking at the source code, there are still hundreds
of other users engaged in peer review to strengthen it. In contrast,
closed-source, or proprietary software is dependent upon its parent
company. If that company goes belly up, the people who own and use the
software may be denied of critical support and services.
Summary
Advocates of open source argue that access to source code allows anyone
to examine the code. With many eyes looking at the code, vulnerabilities,
malicious code, and bugs are likely to be quickly found and fixed. Finally,
open source software written to open standards facilitates interoperability.
