Open-source software has become a popular choice among businesses due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness.
Open-source software means companies can tailor their code to fit their specific requirements, providing a level of customization that is unmatched by proprietary alternatives. Additionally, open-source software eliminates licensing fees, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to control costs while still enjoying the benefits of advanced technology.
Thankfully, there is a variety of open-source software available for different niches and purposes, such as 3D modeling or e-commerce tools for small businesses. The challenge now lies in being able to find the right software for your company.
What Is Open Source Software?
Quite simply, open-source software gives users permission to access and modify their source code. They also grant users permission to license and distribute the software as they see fit. They aim to be accessible to everyone, so they’re usually completely free to download and use. However, some programs cost money or offer paid versions of their software.
Free open-source software often relies on public funding for continued maintenance and updates. Some allow members of the public to contribute towards improving the program through their source code. Any user can contribute, and there are no limits to how many can participate.
A program’s source code is essentially what makes it function. Programmers can alter lines of code or add to them to improve the software. Different programs use different coding languages, often requiring special programs like Visual Studio to edit.
Why Is Open-Source Software Important?
The Freedom and Flexibility of Open-Source
Open-source software allows companies to customize the program to suit their specific needs. This makes them highly flexible and gives programmers the freedom to add features or fix functional errors on the fly. You don’t need to rely on any third parties updating their software to get yours working.
Saves Money
Most open-source software is fully free to install and use, which can save you a lot of money. This is especially beneficial to larger companies, who require many copies of the same program.
Enhanced Security
Open source software often has better security than other types of software since they have more people inspecting and solving vulnerabilities in their source code. This means their security can improve over time.
Criteria to Consider for Choosing Open-Source Software
Reliability
Reliability is a major factor to consider when choosing any open-source software, especially if you’re looking for enterprise software. If your software malfunctions or fails to work, it can negatively affect your business. That’s why you need software that’s unlikely to break down or is known for quickly solving errors.
Interoperability
Your open-source software should be compatible with other programs you use for maximum efficiency. You should also make sure they support the OS/devices you use in your company. You don’t want to purchase new hardware to accommodate your open-source software — these are unnecessary costs that should be avoided.
Support
Open-source software should have good support available if you encounter any problems when using the program. This includes both customer support and community support — there are active forums where users can get advice from each other. Since everyone has access to the source code, you can get expert advice from members of the public.
Best Open Source Software
Finding the best open-source software for your business can be tricky — there are so many available for free online. Without price being a big barrier, you can install and test numerous programs in your search for the perfect one.
However, this can waste a lot of time and energy. Instead, we’ve curated some of the top open-source software and broken down their key features to make your search much easier. While all of them are free to install and use, some offer paid versions, so we’ll briefly cover them as well.
- Blender
- FileZilla
- Open Broadcaster Software
- Tuleap
1. Blender
Best For Animators
Blender is a popular 3D modeling and animation software often used to create video game models and animated movies. The program is perfect for both game developers and animation studios, as well as any business that utilizes 3D models.
Key features
3D modeling: You get access to a large range of 3D modeling tools, including UV unwrapping and image textures, allowing you to bring your models to life.
Sculpting: You can seamlessly sculpt finer details onto your models, giving you a high level of control over your designs.
Animation & rigging: You can rig your 3D models to make posing/moving them easy, and animate them doing simple or more complex actions.
Video editing: You can edit videos in Blender using tools such as cutting, splicing, and color grading.
Pricing
Blender is completely free to use and doesn’t offer any paid or premium versions.
2. FileZilla
Best for Site Management
FileZilla is a file transfer (FTP) tool that also supports data transfers between applications online (TLS). It’s compatible with most operating systems and is perfect for both small and large file transfers (SFTP) across the web.
Key Features
Multiple server connections: Connect to multiple servers simultaneously to increase the efficiency of your file transfers.
Filename filters: Create custom filters and use them to easily locate certain files.
Site manager: Easily manage your sites using the manager tool, and update important information like passwords if necessary. You can even use the comment section to add task reminders.
Pricing
FileZilla is free to use, but they also offer a pro version with more features for a one-time cost of $19.99. Additional features mainly include cloud storage support.
3. OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)
Best For Streaming
OBS is a well-known recording and streaming tool, which is used by many gamers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. OBS captures both audio and video footage from your screen/webcam, making it the perfect software for content creation.
Key features
Video recording: You can record your screen and audio, and easily save your recordings to your device.
Live Streaming You can capture footage in real-time and stream on platforms like Twitch. Configure your settings to optimize your live-streaming experience.
Audio mixer: Control both your audio and your device audio using sliders. You can control the volume, mute sources, and more.
Scenes: Add an unlimited number of scenes from different sources, and overlay them to create the perfect set-up. Include sources like webcams, game footage, text, and more.
Pricing
OBS is completely free to use and doesn’t offer any paid versions.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Professional-grade software used by many full-time content creators
- Large range of options
- Easy to use
- Simple UI
Cons:
- Settings can be difficult to understand/configure
- No undo option
- Prone to lagging if your system gets overloaded
4. Tuleap
Best for Project Management
Tuleap is a project management tool that specializes in agile planning and software development. It’s perfect for streamlining communication between multiple teams, as well as automating workflows to increase efficiency.
Key features
Agile dashboards: Create and customize your dashboards, and view all your tasks in one place.
Agile metrics: Track progress by viewing team effort charts, which measure productivity.
Kanban boards: Easily add and organize tasks using kanban boards. You can also clearly view task progress and reorder tasks according to priority.
Pricing
Tuleap’s community edition is free to use, but the enterprise edition offers two paid plans ($18.00/month & $25.00/month). The paid plans provide test management support, remote server maintenance, and more.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Free version available
- Many features included
- Great agile planning support
- Uses kanban boards for easy task management
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Limited to agile planning workflows
- Limited integrations
- No mass upload/download option
5. Pydio
Best for File Sharing
Pydio is a file-sharing and syncing platform, which connects to a user’s server as opposed to a public one. It’s self-hosted and private, which means you can share files and collaborate with team members without worrying about security.
Key features
Admin Dashboard: You can monitor things like file activity and web connections to make sure there are no security breaches.
File Sharing: You can upload and share files up to 5TB using links — you can password-protect these links and set a download limit to enhance security.
Collaboration: You can create collaboration workspaces and invite team members to join. There’s also a built-in chat feature for seamless communication.
Pricing
Pydio cells home is completely free to use, but there are also two premium plans available. The free plan offers file sharing, mobile and desktop sync, and an embedded user directory. Premium features include additional security options, vendor support, and data sharding.
Conclusion
Open-source software is well-known for its high flexibility and low costs — programmers are free to alter the source code to suit any purpose, which makes solving and improving functional errors much more efficient. There are many free open-source software available for different purposes, which makes finding the right ones for your company difficult.
Findstack aims to provide you with expert software advice to make choosing the right platform quick and easy for you. Browse our software categories today to begin your search for the perfect software.
