MSP Open Source Apps Overview 2024

There has been an increasing demand for IT services to manage projects more efficiently. One of the available tools for managed IT services is Community-developed apps, which provides an array of features for project management, collaboration, and communication. 

Collaborative software offers several benefits for managed IT services and other IT professionals, including cost savings, flexibility, and customization options.

Open-source software is becoming more prevalent, especially in North America, including the United States (USA). According to a survey by Black Duck Software, over 70% of companies in the USA use non-proprietary software for their business operations. 

This trend is not surprising, given the benefits of publicly licensed software, including access to the source code, customization options, and cost savings.

Open development software provides a range of features for managed IT services to manage their projects effectively. From project planning and tracking to issue management and collaboration, Openly licensed software offers several functionalities to help remote IT services streamline their project management process. 

Openly licensed apps are often compatible with a wide variety of operating systems, making them accessible to managed service organizations regardless of their preferred platform.

Open-source software is an ever popular option as it provides an array of benefits, including cost savings, access to source code, and customization options.

What is Open Source Software?

Open-source software refers to software that is freely available to the public, and its source code is accessible to anyone who wishes to modify or distribute it. Unlike proprietary software, open-source software allows developers to collaborate and improve the software's functionality, making it more customizable and flexible. The use of open-source software has increased significantly in recent years, especially among businesses that seek cost-effective software solutions that are customizable to their specific needs.

Benefits of Free and Open-Source Applications

Open Source Apps provide an array of benefits for outsourced IT service providers. Some of these benefits include:

Cost Savings

One of the primary advantages of crowd-sourced software is cost savings. Unlike proprietary software that often requires licensing fees, non-proprietary software is typically available for free or at a significantly lower cost. This cost savings can be significant for IT services organizations who need to manage their project budgets effectively.

Flexibility

Publicly licensed software offers greater flexibility than proprietary software as they allow IT services management to customize the software to their specific needs. Managed IT services can modify the source code, add new features, and integrate the software with other tools to enhance its functionality. This flexibility allows services organizations to adapt the software to their unique requirements and provides them with greater control over their project management process.

Compatibility

Open Source Apps are often compatible with different operating systems, making them accessible to managed IT service orgs regardless of their preferred platform. This compatibility provides organizations with greater flexibility and allows them to use the software across multiple devices and platforms.

Limitations of Open Source Software

Openly licensed apps, with their open and collaborative nature, have gained popularity and contributed significantly to the tech industry. However, it is not without its limitations. Understanding these limitations is essential for users, developers, and organizations considering the adoption of open source software.

Lack Of Support In Publicly Available Apps

One of the primary limitations of open source software is the lack of comprehensive support. Unlike commercial software, where users can rely on dedicated customer support, open source projects often depend on community-driven support forums and resources. While the open source community is generally helpful, the response time and availability of support can vary, and there is no guarantee of a timely resolution for critical issues.

Security Vulnerabilities In Publicly Shared Applications

Another limitation is the potential for security vulnerabilities. This can be particularly concerning when dealing with applications that are actually focussed on security such as Secure password managers.

Open source projects are accessible to anyone, including malicious actors who can scrutinize the code for weaknesses. This can be especially concerning when it comes to areas such as financial management software.

While the community's collective effort can identify and address vulnerabilities more effectively, the absence of a centralized authority means that security patches and updates may take longer to reach all users. This delay leaves some systems exposed to potential risks.

Stability In Cooperative Software Development

The flexibility of collaborative software can also be a limitation. With numerous contributors and frequent updates, ensuring compatibility and stability across different environments can be challenging. 

As a managed IT services organization, there is nothing worse than having stability issues with a vital component such as network monitoring software or other areas of your technology stack.

Integrating publicly licensed software into existing proprietary systems or achieving seamless interoperability can require additional development effort and technical resources.

Fragmentation In Community-developed Apps

Furthermore, the diverse nature of openly licensed software can lead to fragmentation and duplication. Similar projects may emerge independently, resulting in efforts being spread across multiple initiatives instead of consolidating technical resources. This fragmentation can create confusion among users and developers, making it difficult to identify the most suitable and sustainable solutions.

Hidden Costs In Community-Driven Software

Lastly, while openly developed software is typically freely available, there may still be costs associated with its implementation and maintenance. Organizations often need to invest in skilled personnel to handle customization, integration, and ongoing support, which can add to the total cost of ownership.

Collaboratively built applications have limitations, including limited support, potential security vulnerabilities, compatibility challenges, fragmentation, and associated costs. Recognizing these limitations is crucial for making informed decisions about the adoption and utilization of crowd-developed apps, allowing organizations and individuals to mitigate risks and maximize the benefits it offers.

For articles that go into further depth on the subject of open source solutions, take a look at the following page:

https://optimizeddocs.com/blogs/apps/msp open source apps-index

Each of the articles will provide a more detailed account of specific topics within the broader open source discussion. 

TOP TIP: Consider Optimized Docs when making the decision to undertake content production and editing using your documentation platform of choice.