IT is expensive, so it makes sense to ensure we only pay for what we need, and know how to use it properly. For every story in the press extolling the benefits of IT there is one about failure, and subsequent waste of money. So how do buyers ensure they get a fit for purpose and value for money IT solution? I know IT is both complicated and boring for most people, but that is no reason not to apply appropriate rigour to the procurement process. Cars are complicated and I don't really know how...
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Open source software has certainly had an impact on the software industry. The assumption that it has benefited everyone is perhaps a little more difficult to quantify. I have seen arguments for reduced cost, improved security and increased innovation, but counter-arguments for all these too. But it has certainly given customers more choice and forced suppliers of proprietary software to be more flexible in their licensing terms. There are a two common misconceptions about open source softwar...
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