Cost Efficiency | Stability | Flexibility | Freedom | Local Impact
Enhanced Co-operative Culture
Open source software is developed and maintained in a way that will be beneficial to most organizations: co-operatively. This means that in general, it will not be necessary to deal with a far-away company for support. In most cases, an open network of people and groups who develop and use the software collaboratively live nearby. You can find technical support from someone locally who understands your particular needs and is able to give advice on how to address them. The sharing of information is at the heart of the movement and there is a wealth of resources out there that feed its growth.
Contribution to the Local Economy
When you buy software, your money usually flows to a company that has very little connection to the work that you do and the community in which you work. This is not the case with OSS. When you need to buy services (for example when setting up your technological infrastructure) you can hire local people who share your goals. This not only makes for better collaboration and understanding, it also supports the local economy. Money stays within your community.
