Open v. Close source Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Open v. Close source - Essay Example The application, system or program development life-cycle is a terminology that is often used in information systems, software and systems engineering to refer to processes associated with planning, creation, testing as well as deployment of information systems. The life-cycle of the development process applies to various software and hardware configurations since a system can be made up of software only, hardware or a blend of both. The development life-cycle for computer programs uses two methods or approaches, which are different in many ways depending on their application and style of development. Developers often choose between these two approaches depending on the complexity of the programs they are developing and other uses associated with them. Under a close-source model, the source code used is not often made available to the general public. This software is taken care of by a team that develops and produces the software in an effective compiled-executable state after which the public is allowed to access and use. Koch (2005) explains that this model was pioneered with Microsoft, who used in the development of their Microsoft and Windows programs. Later, several other companies have emerged to prefer the approach in the development of their programs. One of the key features of the open source model is that it often allows for other users to make modifications to the source codes. However, it should be known that the source codes for products designed are not always open for the general public. Beydeda (2005), posits that some of the most common advantages associated with this model is that it enhances trust, teamwork, acceptance and quality. According to Beydeda, (2005), non-free licenses are often used in the process of limiting what is termed by free software movements as essential freedoms. For the closed source model, its license only gives