One major benefit of using OSS is that it is often more cost-effective than proprietary software. OSS can be freely downloaded and used without the need to pay licensing fees, which can save companies significant amounts of money. In addition, OSS is typically developed and maintained by a community of volunteers, which can lead to more frequent updates and a stronger support network compared to proprietary software (Lakhani & Wolf, 2005).
Another benefit of OSS is that it allows developers to access and modify the source code, enabling them to customize the software to better fit their specific needs (Pacheco & Vasconcelos, 2009). This can be particularly useful for developers in Argentina, where the local market may have specific requirements that are not addressed by proprietary software.
OSS also promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing among developers. By allowing anyone to access and contribute to the source code, OSS encourages the development of a shared knowledge base that can be used to improve the software for the benefit of all users (Feller, Fitzgerald, & Hissam, 2002).
However, the use of OSS also presents some challenges for Argentine developers. One challenge is that OSS may not always have the same level of support as proprietary software. While OSS is typically supported by a community of volunteers, these individuals may not always have the resources or expertise to provide the same level of support as a dedicated team of professionals (Lakhani & Wolf, 2005).
Another challenge is that OSS may not always have the same level of security as proprietary software. Because the source code is freely available, it may be easier for malicious actors to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in OSS compared to proprietary software (Pacheco & Vasconcelos, 2009). It is important for developers to carefully evaluate the security of any OSS they plan to use and take steps to mitigate potential risks.
In conclusion, the use of OSS in Argentine software development projects offers a number of benefits, including cost savings, flexibility, and the opportunity for collaboration and knowledge sharing. However, it is important for developers to carefully consider the potential challenges of using OSS, including limited support and security concerns.
References:
Feller, J., Fitzgerald, B., & Hissam, S. A. (2002). Open source as business strategy. Harvard Business Review, 80(9), pp. 59-67.
Lakhani, K. R., & Wolf, R. (2005). Why hackers do what they do: Understanding motivation and effort in free/open source software projects. In Proceeding of the international conference on the economics of open source software development (pp. 1-9).
Pacheco, M., & Vasconcelos, W. (2009). A systematic review of the adoption of open source software in organizations. Journal of Management and Governance, 13(3), pp. 245-261.
