Not very long ago, proprietary and open source systems used to exist as competing entities. While proprietary software and related technology providers believed that they own their creations and provided licences that entitled users to just use the software, enthusiasts of open source model subscribed to the idea of sharing the source-code and let consumers dictate the course of its development.

Today, though the two approaches hold on to their principles, they see a need to co-exist. That was the strong message that emerged from this year’s Open Source Week India — one of the largest open source event held at Bangalore, started by Forum for Open Source Initiative in India (FOSI).

Besides the apparent commercial benefits of adapting open source approach, technology developers also appreciate the possibility of altering the software to suit their architecture. Speaking at the event, Brian Behlendorf, Founder, Collabnet, Director Mozilla Foundation, spoke about Tivo, a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) used in the US to record the programme. “Innovation in software is a community-driven process,” Behlendorf said.

“Change or innovation can’t be driven solely by a closed entity. As there are few experts and a large number of users, a participatry and an inter-dependency based model is sure to create technology of better quality and greater flexibility,” he added.

Surely, the presence of Microsoft, viewed as the chief proponent of proprietary model, in the event is the sign that times are changing. Sandeep Menon, Country Manager, Novell India, points to the collaboration his company has got with Microsoft that allows Windows and Suse Linux to become interoperable with Windows platform, particularly in enterprise segment. “A few years ago, any suggestion to this effect would have been laughed off,” said Sandeep.

He also acknowledged that larger enterprises are gradually learning to work with open source developer communities.

“We work with the acknowledgement that the source code is often the IP of the community and not the company. Of course, the company can often build the support services and the business eco-system around it which makes it commercially sustainable. But the key here is commercial open source is often built on a win-win model and everyone participating in it are benefited,” Brian Behlendorf said.
Will open source eventually embracing a fully commercial model?
“Even our support services are flexible. Users can either subscribe to primium services or change to basic services later,” explained a RedHat representative.

“But as we still contribute to enhancement of Linux is an example of the commitment companies embracing open source model are showing towards sustaining the model, rather than turning it commercial,” he added.

OPEN SOURCE WEEK

* Provided the benefits of open source to Indian businesses.
* Showcased success stories of the model — MySQL, RedHat, Linux and Apache.
* Highlighted the penetration of Linux and other open source solutions in enterprises and government organisations.
* Explored the commercial possibilities of the model, while bringing well-known names in the open source community.