Question

A small tech startup is considering using open source software to develop their new project management tool. They are evaluating the benefits and potential challenges of adopting open source solutions.
(i) Identify one key benefit of using open source software for the development of project management tool.
(ii) Give any two examples of open source software.

Hint:

Open source software is not just free — it gives control and adaptability to meet changing business needs.

Answer 1

Open source software provides many benefits, especially for startups with limited budgets.
One key benefit is cost-effectiveness — most open source software is free to use, which saves money on licensing fees.
This allows a startup to allocate funds to other important areas like development, marketing, or hiring skilled developers.
Open source also offers great flexibility and freedom to customize the software according to specific project requirements.
Because the source code is publicly available, developers can modify it, add new features, fix bugs, and adapt it for unique needs.
Another advantage is that open source software is supported by a large global community of developers who share updates, patches, and security fixes regularly.
This helps maintain the tool’s reliability and security without heavy costs.
Therefore, using open source helps startups build strong tools faster and with fewer expenses.
Two popular examples of open source software are:
1. Linux — an open source operating system widely used for servers and desktops.
2. Apache HTTP Server — a free, open source web server used to host websites and applications.
Other examples include MySQL for databases, LibreOffice for office tasks, and Mozilla Firefox for web browsing.