Open Source Security: Weighing the Pros and Cons

By Security Boulevard

Over the past few years, open source has grown in popularity, especially among developers using open source code in their application development efforts. Open source software offers incredible benefits to enterprises IT and development efforts. Free, available software libraries mean cost savings, easy customization, speed, agility and flexibility for development and IT teams.

There are two types of open source software:

  • PROJECT/COMMUNITY OPEN SOURCE: Developed by a community of developers who voluntarily create, update and support the source code. Examples of community open source projects are Linux and Apache Web Server.
  • COMMERCIAL OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE (COSS): Open source software owned by a single entity. The owner only accepts code contributions if the contributor transfers copyright of the code to this entity. This kind of open source software may cost money, or it may be free.

In this ebook, we examine the state of open source security, and look at the security benefits and challenges when using open source software. How can IT leaders implement open source securely in their organization and know they are making the right decision for their business?

This complimentary download is offered by Security Boulevard.
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Charlene O’Hanlon

Charlene O’Hanlon is Chief Operating Officer at Techstrong Group and Editor at Large at Techstrong Media. She is an award-winning journalist serving the technology sector for 20 years as content director, executive editor and managing editor for numerous technology-focused sites including DevOps.com, CRN, The VAR Guy, ACM Queue and Channel Partners. She is also a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences.

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