TechRepublic/Gartner: Despite misconceptions, open source finds its place in enterprise projects | Linux Today

TechRepublic/Gartner: Despite misconceptions, open source finds its place in enterprise projects

Written By
Web Webster
Web Webster
Dec 19, 2000

“Clearly, many organizations have already accepted the
open-source methodology. Apache remains a leading Web server
toolset, and Linux is popping up in many corporate networks in
utilitarian roles, such as DHCP resolution. In fact, Gartner
recommends that IS organizations reexamine any policy that flatly
excludes OSS projects.”

“So why are some organizations–and consequently IT pros–slow
to embrace OSS? Much of this apprehension is due to common
misconceptions about open-source development and support issues.
When evaluating the viability of adding OSS skills to your own
toolset, you may hear any of the following arguments against making
the move to OSS. Although all of these criticisms contain kernels
of truth, they are often overstated and should not present an
absolute barrier to tackling an enterprise project with an OSS
solution.

“Myth 1: Nobody controls development

Myth 2: Anyone can change the software, which eventually becomes
unstable

Myth 3: When the lead developer leaves, the project dies

Myth 4: There is no one to turn to for support

Myth 5: OSS projects will eventually splinter–like UNIX
…”


Complete Story
[ Free registration required ]

Web Webster

Web Webster

Web Webster has more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience in the tech sector. He’s written and edited news, demand generation, user-focused, and thought leadership content for business software solutions, consumer tech, and Linux Today, he edits and writes for a portfolio of tech industry news and analysis websites including webopedia.com, and DatabaseJournal.com.

Linux Today Logo

LinuxToday is a trusted, contributor-driven news resource supporting all types of Linux users. Our thriving international community engages with us through social media and frequent content contributions aimed at solving problems ranging from personal computing to enterprise-level IT operations. LinuxToday serves as a home for a community that struggles to find comparable information elsewhere on the web.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.