There’s a lot of open source software (OSS) out there, and it can be tempting to use it because it seems like it’s free. But is open source really free?
What does using open source actually cost you?
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the hidden costs of using open source software and how they can add up over time. We’ll also discuss ways to reduce or avoid these costs altogether.
One of the hidden costs of using open source software is what’s known as “technical debt.” When you use open source software, you’re essentially borrowing code from someone else. This can be a good thing – it can save you time and money in the short term. But over time, it can start to weigh you down.
As your codebase grows, it becomes more and more difficult to keep track of all the different pieces of code that you’re using. This can lead to frustration and errors down the road.
Another hidden cost of open source software is support. If something goes wrong with your open source project, you’ll need to either find someone who knows how to fix it or pay for commercial support. This can be a significant expense, especially if you’re using open source software for mission-critical applications.
There are ways to reduce or avoid these hidden costs, however. One way is to use a commercial open source product that comes with support from the vendor. This can be a good option if you’re using open source software for mission-critical applications.
Another way is to create an in-house team of experts who can help maintain your open source project. This can be a great option if you have the resources to invest in such a team.
So, is open source really free?
It depends on how you look at it. There are some hidden costs associated with using open source software, but there are also ways to reduce or avoid these costs. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not open source is the right choice for your project. Thanks for reading!
Do you have any experience with open source software? What are your thoughts on its hidden costs? Let us know in the comments below!
