TRANSCRIPT  VIDEO

Senator Ron Wyden and Senator John Ensign hosted a discussion on the history and policy implications of the open source and commercial software development models on July 15, 2004.

Open source software refers to freely distributed software that includes the underlying code, which allows the user to adapt the program to suit his needs. An example of this type of software is the Linux operating system or the Apache web server. This stands beside the traditional commercial model that limits distribution and modification of the underlying code, such as is the case with Microsoft's Windows, IBM's Websphere, Adobe's Acrobat and McAfee anti-virus. There are similarities, advantages and disadvantages to both methods of software development, and each is under pressure today from criminal hackers. Further, the debate is not necessarily open source versus commercial as there are gray areas in between and even certain companies offering both options for different applications. In addition, some governments are considering software "procurement preferences" based upon the development model.

Regardless, the growth and pervasiveness of open source software in operating systems, servers and web applications make understanding this phenomenon critically important for anyone with an interest in information technology and its impact on the economy in general.

Are we missing something? If you are aware of a link, report, article or speech that should be included below, please visit our message board and let us know.