OSS - explained

I was on the board of flight "Madurai to Mumbai" (within India). I got into conversation with a person sitting next to me. We introduced ourselves and discussed about eachother's profession. On hearing I am working on open source software (GCC) he asked what is a open source software and if it is for free how you people are making business out of it.

Not him, but many would be having these questions in their mind unanswered. How business is made out of open source softwares (here-in-after referred as OSS)?

OSS are softwares that should be freely distributed along with it's source code. Anyone must be allowed to modify the source code which can be redistributed further. Also it's license should not exclude the OSS to interfere with the operation of other softwares.

Some examples of OSS.

1. GNU/Linux operating system
   
2. GNU Compiler Collection(GCC)
   
3. Apache HTTP Server
   
4. Mozilla Firefox internet browser
   
5. OpenOffice
   
6. Perl language
   
7. PHP language
   
8. Python language
   

OSS is gaining popularity because OSS is free. I.e. OSS can be used, bought, sold, given, received, and modified. In fact, anything can be done with OSS except take ownership of it or restrict anyone else from having the same rights to it that one have.

OSS is freely available to provide the freedom for the following:

1. to run the program for any purpose
   
2. to study how the program works and adapt the same for own use
   
3. to redistribute copies
   
4. to improve the program and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits.
   

A common concern for end-users who wish to use open source software is the lack of a warranty and technical support. Companies gains by providing support to OSS users. I.e. They can act as consultants. They have access to source code, and hence they can provide better support.

For example, Red Hat created the "Official Red Hat Linux" and is able to sell this normally "free" software. The main value that Red Hat adds to the package is a warranty and technical support. For most businesses, the assurance of technical support has been a key factor in the decision to buy Linux instead of simply downloading it for free. In addition to Red Hat, there are several other companies that have packaged Linux, usually with additional software, for resale.