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The Naked CIO: Is open source dead?
Or has it just retired to a cosy spot in web and network security…

By Naked CIO

Published: Tuesday 06 May 2008

Despite grandiose claims for open source software, the truth about it has been evident for some time. But at least as a niche technology, businesses can take it seriously, says the Naked CIO.

Is the debate about open source finally over? The practicalities of managing open source in a business context became clear years ago. In that environment, open source is difficult and cumbersome, so surely the honeymoon period should have ended long ago.

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Of course, open source has found its niche and will continue to be of practical value in the realm of web and network security. But its application to business is limited. Many of my colleagues are now reaching similar conclusions.

As a CIO with a background in mixed environments - and who still manages one - I can say with certainty that maintaining and developing in a cohesive open source environment is complex, costly and ineffective, except in those areas mentioned where open source is mature.

Technology gurus are probably cringing at these words. Many of them believe that open source is the only true way to capture the creative and entrepreneurial nature of technologists. But that's not how it looks from my position as a relatively new CIO of a global and complex business environment.

Open source lacks true and defined standards, best-of-breed capabilities, fully functional integration and knowledgeable staff to support it cost-effectively.

So I'm pleased that the debate is quietening down and that effective open source applications have now carved out a niche. Arriving at this point allows for effective planning and the true development of standards and best practice.

Having tried to manage open source environments, the degree to which rather eccentric - apologies for the generalisation - open source custodians and Unix engineers customise their environments creates extremely bulky systems and applications that are difficult to manage.

From an organisational perspective, in its level of customisation and lack of true industry standards, this is cowboy technology.

I know I'm leaving myself open to criticism from open source loving technologists but as a CIO you need to look at these debates from a business perspective and drive value, standards and effective management in your organisation.

If you implement an open source environment be sure to ask yourself some very important questions:

1. What is the business driver behind this initiative?
2. Is the true cost - including the labour to support it, annual subscription fees and the technical gaps in support, integration and innovation - lower then other alternatives?
3. Can I find capable resources cost-effectively to deliver an open source environment and then support it over time?
4. Can standards be implemented that allow for effective management of an open source application?

In the end everyone has a view on this debate. I would love to see open source continue to grow from a technology perspective.

But would I rely on it in a business perspective? Absolutely not - at least not as the main platform driver in my organisation.