Open source software options for the midmarket

So what's next? Governance needs to be put in place, and midmarket companies need to stay ahead of new security risks while finding new ways to use open source. The resources in this IT Management Guide will get you started.

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Linux desktop: More secure than Windows

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[James M. Connolly, Contributor]

Done right, a Linux/open source strategy for the desktop can provide small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with a less-costly, more reliable, easier-to-manage and more secure client system.

But don't move your corporate desktops to Linux and open source applications just because you hate Microsoft. Do it because it is right for your business, and make sure you have a plan that will ensure a smooth deployment, experts say.

"People I'm aware of going to desktop Linux are doing it because they are torqued as hell at Microsoft," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at Enderle Group in San Jose, Calif. "I'm not convinced that that's the best reason to make a change."

To wit, Andreas Antonopoulos, senior vice president and founding partner of The Nemertes Research Group Inc. in Mokena, Ill., warns managers not to view the choice between Linux and Windows on the desktop as "a religious decision," an all-or-nothing proposition.

   Learn more in "Linux desktop: Simpler, more secure than Windows." Also:

• Is Linux ready for small business? (Datamation)
  Many small businesses have avoided Linux for a variety of reasons: not enough applications, complexity of installation or that it requires too much technical know-how to run. The technology has matured over many years, which raises the question: how valid are these considerations today?
• Unix or Linux? Are you ready to make the move? (SearchSMB.com)
  The need for modernization and cost reduction, or a change in leadership may mean migration away from your existing Unix platform. If your company is the type to scale horizontally and you're uncomfortable with big iron, you may want to consider Linux on blade servers.

Open source, Web design: Caveat emptor

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[Herman Mehling, Contributor]

Using open source software (OSS) to create or redesign a Web site should be a no-brainer, right? Maybe, maybe not.

True, open source programs are free, freely distributed and more secure than proprietary ones. But, as Romans used to say, caveat emptor. OSS has as many downsides as upsides, a reality that typically cash-strapped, resource-challenged SMBs need to research before paying for an OSS-based Web site.

Before starting any Web site project, assess the benefits and risks of open source versus proprietary software. Key issues to consider are reliability, cost of development and support versus savings in license fees, compatibility, support and the benefits of building versus buying.

   Find out more in "Open source and Web site design: Caveat emptor." Also:

• IBM makes U-turn, joins OpenOffice (SearchSMB.com)
  OpenOffice enjoyed a jolt of adrenaline this week as IBM announced Monday that it will join the open source software initiative. Analysts say the move should give OpenOffice a significant boost in its quest to take on Microsoft Office, but will it be enough?
• Vendors duke it out over open source 'forking' (SearchCIO.com)
  To protect their interests, some vendors are making it difficult for other vendors to reuse their technology -- but they're still calling themselves open source. Experts are divided over whether this apparent diluting of open source is a problem.

Open source security OK, experts say

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[Shamus McGillicuddy, News Writer]

Ignore the myths. Open source security technology is an affordable and robust option for SMBs.

While some buyers might think security is best left to vendors of proprietary software like Symantec Corp. or SonicWall Inc., experts says open source software can give SMBs the protection they seek.

"I think there is some sort of ingrained bias [against open source security technology] because there is still this myth that open source isn't as robust," said Alex Fletcher, lead technology analyst at Entiva Group Inc., a Silver Spring, Md.-based research firm that specializes in open source technology. "There is reluctance to put open source up against proprietary software because it is thought they are just not capable."

Nick Selby, senior analyst at New York-based research firm The 451 Group, said at the C-level, at least, there definitely is a bias. "The problem with open source security is the same problem that open source had in the mid-1990s: Executives can't understand the revenue model. If you believe that your security is beholden to the good will of unnamed, faceless hippies that might update the software if they feel like, chances are they'll buy a proprietary product."

   Learn more in "Open source security OK, experts assure SMBs." Also:

• Antivirus Fight Club (SMB Connection)
  A disenchanted CTO will test antivirus software at LinuxWorld this week to prove that open source is getting a bum rap compared with its commercial competitors.
• Are open source tools safe to use? (SearchNetworking.com)
  See how safe managing and troubleshooting open source tools are in this expert response with security expert Michael Gregg.

CIOs struggle with governance

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[Shamus McGillicuddy, News Writer]

Open source has become risky business for companies that fail to manage software being downloaded by users. Finding help to keep things from getting out of control, however, is another challenge entirely.

There are risks (including legal ones) associated with using multiple open source products within an organization, but those risks are often ignored by both vendors and users. One of the problems is there has been very little incentive on the part of the vendors to develop products, said Michael Goulde, senior analyst at Cambridge, Mass.-based Forrester Research Inc.

"Penetration is spreading, but it is not displacing," Goulde said. "It's a small minority of what's actually in use, so the market opportunity isn't there. It hasn't hit yet."

But that doesn't mean there aren't products out there. Raven Zachary, research director at The 451 Group, a New York-based research firm, said some vendors that offer open source support or maintain certified repositories of open source technology see an opportunity in creating tools that enable enterprises to manage open source like a portfolio.

   Find out more in "CIOs struggle with open source governance, cite lack of tools." Also:

• Vendors-turned-open source rally round midmarket (SearchCIO.com)
  Software developers trying to improve their competitive edge by taking their products open source means CIOs will have more flexibility when they shop for software.
• IT managers doubt open source deals will bring change (SearchWinIT.com)
  Microsoft is lining up Linux partners to maintain the dominance of its operating system. But will it work?

Open source security: Five best practices

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[Joel Dubin, CISSP, Contributor]

On the surface, open source software seems like a great deal for SMBs. It's free and freely available on the Web -- which is always in the budget. But best of all, it's supposedly more secure than off-the-shelf commercial software.

But does open source software live up to its touted security credentials?

True, its source code is open and gets picked apart, played with, hacked and tweaked over and over by developers and software gurus worldwide. But open source software, just like its commercial counterpart, still needs to be hardened, patched and locked down before it's deployed.

   Learn what steps Dubin recommends in "Open source security: Five best practices." Also:

• Open source enterprise applications business assessment (SearchSMB.com)
  Deploying open source software and systems at your SMB requires careful preparation if you want to be successful. This Info-Tech Readiness Assessment worksheet will help SMB IT managers determine whether or not their enterprise is sufficiently prepared for open source.
• BI for the small guy (SearchSMB.com)
  Downloadable open source tools and a boom in vendor products have made BI more of a reality for SMBs. Before you jump in, though, we have some caveats.

More resources

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• Resource center: Open source midmarket software (SearchSMB.com)
• Resource center: Open source enterprise software (SearchCIO.com)
• Web site: SearchEnterpriseLinux.com