The basic idea behind open source is very simple: When programmers can read, redistribute, and modify the source code for a piece of software, the software evolves. People improve it, people adapt it, people fix bugs. The practical advantages of open source are long-known in technical circles. In fact, they are a reason for the rapid development of the Internet and the World Wide Web, going back more than twenty years. Open Source Initiative (OSI) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to increasing awareness of the benefits of open source for commercial users and developers, managing and promoting the use of the "OSI Certified" mark for software, and fostering discussions of open source licensing practices.
Learn more about open source. Did you know that Linux and Apache are two of the packages reaping open source payoffs? There are literally tens of thousands of software packages which qualify as open source, including many commercial products. [Some well-known examples.] You can read a brief history of the open-source concept, and browse links to other resources related to open source. We also maintain a page answering Frequently Asked Questions. This site is still evolving as we think through the implications of open source in the commercial world. We don't claim to have all the answers yet, so mail us with your thoughts and criticisms. Also, please send us URLs of articles and papers on commercial trials of the open source model, on open source software including such packages as Linux and Apache, and related topics. Mirrors of this site are available in the following countries: Austria,
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Open Source for YouWhether a techie/hacker, a businessperson, or a customer, you'll win with open source software. Read the case histories to find out how. LicensingOSI has established a mailing list to help us review licenses. The license approval process. Press ResourcesYou can also read our past press releases. FAQs and LinksYou can read a brief history of the open-source concept, and browse links to other resources related to open source. We also maintain a page answering Frequently Asked Questions. Site IndexAll of the content on this site, in an easy-to-use menu: only one click away. |