Open-Source Software Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The availability of certain software namely Open-Source Software (OSS), to freely use, modify brings with it a set of challenges and opportunities, which needs to be addressed with caution. This paper looks into these challenges and opportunities from the perspective of application of these softwares in general and specific to Data Management and Analytics Domains. The paper looks at the various myths and definitions surrounding Open-Source Software and how these can be addressed before beginning the journey of adopting Open-Source Software within Enterprise Information Technology landscape and development of Software Products. This paper dwells into an opportunity, of building a platform, named Decision Fabric™ (DF), and built using Open-Source Software, providing abilities to build industry-specific analytical applications. Decision Fabric™ is a solution, which can stitch together various open-source components to build a very compelling analytical solution based on various industry requirements. Decision Fabric™ provides analytical solution for both Human Centric Analysis and Machine Centric Analysis using a combination of deterministic and probabilistic methods.