Open source products are free software with accessible source code. They include internet browsers, web content management systems, operating systems, office suites, and specialized programs such as graphic design and ERP systems. The first open source ERP system was released in 2009.
An open source product is free software, including its source code, made available to the general public. Users must be able to obtain, distribute, and update an open source program for free in order for it to be considered truly open source. There is disagreement about when the concept of open source software entered the mainstream, but since the source code for Netscape Navigator, an Internet browser, was released as Mozilla in 1998, there has been significant growth in the amount and types of open source products available to the general public.
Besides open source internet browsers, web content management systems are another popular open source product available to businesses and individual users. Web content management systems allow users to publish content for their website without having to use HTML commands directly. Users are able to upload documents, videos, movies, audios and a wide variety of other file types to their websites.
For consumers who don’t like using popular operating systems for their computers, there are open source operating systems available. These operating systems often include other open source products or features, such as a web browser, office suite, multimedia applications, and instant messaging. As of 2009, new open source operating systems offer private cloud computing behind a firewall.
Users looking to explore more specialized open source products may find a number of options available. Some of the most widely used open source products include word processors, spreadsheets, presentation programs, database management programs, and vector graphics editors. These types of open source programs are often bundled into office suite programs.
Other specialized open source products include money and accounting programs that can be used for personal finance or business. Artists and designers can find open source graphic design programs and image manipulation programs, while journalists, writers and personal users can find open source blogging programs. Also, database server and web server programs are available in open source formats.
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have been the slowest to reach open source format among all types of computer software programs. The first open source ERP system was released in 2009, with more in development to be released in the coming years. Companies use ERP systems to manage all of their internal and external resources, such as assets, human resources, finances and materials. Most ERP systems are tailored to a specific business and include advanced applications such as customer relationship management, supply chain management, project management, and inventory management.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
