Self-Managing Software, the 21st Century Perpetual Motion Machine
by Kristin Shoemaker - Mar. 13, 2009Comments (0)- Related Blog Posts
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Recently, Black Duck Software conducted a survey of developers to ascertain what they know about open source software, and how they've used it in their workplaces.
While it's important to keep in mind that the survey consisted of about 50 participants at companies that were vastly different in size (ranging from less than 20 to more than 10,000 employees), and that Black Duck is in the business of servicing managed and secure open source deployments, there are still valid bits of information to take away from the results.
Information Week highlights some of the more interesting statistics the Black Duck surveyors collected. Even if the percentages in this impromptu survey would vary with a larger survey pool, the data is so vastly different it's safe to say there's a disturbing trend: Companies often take a "hands off" approach to managing open source software.
Matthew McKenzie at bMighty.com frames the absurdity of the "hands off" management of open source software quite nicely. "Employees don't manage themselves," he says, "and neither does software." Even if the employees working directly with open source software in a company understand the licenses to the very last letter, policies and procedures must be documented, verified, followed -- and understood -- by every developer involved in a project, and by the management team that oversees them.
It's not that open source licenses are particularly difficult to understand or follow. It's simply a matter of keeping workflow smooth, and having a procedure to follow if questions arise around licensing, security, or support issues. It's about saving your company time, effort, and money -- some of the reasons companies choose to work with open source software in the first place.
Companies using technology in any capacity need policies in place detailing its use and management -- regardless of license type. It is a matter of protecting your business. While open source license terms vary, all are clearly written, and legally binding. This affords protection for those who created -- and those who later modify -- the code. Open source licenses are nothing for businesses to fear, but they must be aware of the terms, and comply with them.
Yes, just as they would proprietary licenses.
Using and working with open source software has countless benefits -- but managing itself isn't one of them. This isn't a mark against open source software or its licensing, but a sign that every business decision needs to be thoroughly considered to maximize its chance of success.
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