Role of Closed Source Software

Closed Source Software (CSS) has been the benchmark of software development for many years. Microsoft, for instance, has been used in training institutions to teach computer literacy programs. In the recent years, the advent of Open Source Software (OSS) has changed that position, especially in the emerging economies. OSS provides a cheaper means to an end. Many servers run on Linux and UNIX operating systems that require no or less expensive licenses.

However, CSS still has a major role to play in the ICT world. In fact, CSS and OSS can co-exist harmoniously and develop superior products. One good example is the Cisco Call Unified Manger that runs on a Linux box. This means that the service is cheaper thus affordable, though one has to pay for the Cisco software. Imagine Cisco had their own server to run the software; it would have been beyond reach in cost. Just to paint the picture, a single Unified Communications site requires 7 call manager servers. Thus an increase in server cost by say $200 leads to $1,400 increase in cost i.e. Shs.112, 000 per site.

Usually, CSS has resources to vet and troubleshoot projects that can eventually be packaged into products for the market. Some of these projects start as OSS projects and sometimes companies are formed around them. OSS encourages innovation, where developers come together to exchange ideas.