Understanding the potential technical pitfalls of open source in the education

Understanding the potential technical pitfalls of open source in the education market (Technology Focus)

Product Type: Market Research Report
Published by: Datamonitor
Published: December 2007
Product Code: R313-29394

Description

Introduction

This technology brief looks at some of the issues that institutions may face, from a technical point of view, when looking to install open source software.

Scope

The technological advantages of open source software differ between applications - and institutions need to understand what these are. Open source software can give an institution more direction over their product - but doing so can present a number of challenges to institutions. Open source software is not just about the product but also the structure of the community surrounding it.

Highlights

As open source software becomes more prominent this brief examines some of the issues surrounding the technology. This brief helps readers understand if some of the potential pitfalls of open source - and if all the hype is to believed.

Reasons to Purchase

Understand why certain applications are more suited to open source than others. Learn some of the key issues surrounding open source that could common to dominate the market - especially surrounding interoperability.

Table of Contents

DATAMONITOR VIEW
CATALYST
SUMMARY
ANALYSIS: Adopting an OSS can bring a number of technological advantages and disadvantages; Open code enables institutions to have more direction in the formation of their product; OSS comes under increased scrutiny compared to proprietary software; Institutions can not always be aware of the technological due diligence that takes place; The technological advantages of open source differ between applications; Sakai and Moodle offer real technological advantages for institutions; ERP applications are complex and mission critical and not yet sufficiently advanced in open source; Vendors should take the weakness of open source ERP as a reason not to sit on their laurels; OSS is not just about the product - there are other important issues; Interoperability is key to ensuring the success of OSS; The community behind an OSS is as important as the product; The nature of open source demands that vendors assist institutions with implementation; The success of One Laptop per Child could have an impact upon the education industry
ACTIONS: Vendors need to consider the potential impact of OLPC on the education market; Some vendors can help bring the advantages of open source to institutions; As institutions adopt OSS vendors should ensure the interoperability of their solutions
APPENDIX: Definitions; Methodology; Further reading; Ask the analyst; Datamonitor consulting; Disclaimer
List of Figures: Figure 1: It might be an uphill struggle for an institution with open source - but they are in control of where they are going; Figure 2: There are multiple factors to evaluate when implementing OSS; Figure 3: Survey Results August 2007 - Higher Education institutions open source strategy

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