What Is Open Source Bookkeeping Software?As near as I can tell "open source" software needs to meet ten criteria before it can be licensed as open source. The main criteria being the "open" source code, which is written in a programming language and allows the programmer to communicate with the computer, must be open to everyone. That way they can modify the program if they want. Seems inexpensive and simple enough. The official definition of open source by Ken Coar, which would include open source bookkeeping software, defines open source as follows: "Open source doesn't just mean access to the source code. The distribution terms of open source software must comply with the following criteria..." (I have left out the definitions of each category for brevity.): Free redistribution, source code, derived works, integrity of the author's source code, no discrimination against persons or groups, no discrimination against fields of endeavor; distribution of license, license must not be specific to a product, license must not restrict other software and license must be technology-neutral. So, what does all of that mean? I am going to paraphrase the definition of each point as best I can. If you want to read the complete definition as given by Mr. Coar, go to the web and key in open source Coar; and you will be able to find it quickly. The first term, "Free Redistribution" is self-explanatory; term number two, "Source Code," basically says that the source code must be included and the program must allow "distribution in source code as well as compiled form." However, there is a loop hole. It allows for a "form of a product" to be distributed without a source code as long as there is a "well-publicized means of obtaining the source code for no more than a reasonable reproduction cost preferably, downloading via the Internet without charge." If you are going to put it on the Internet with no charge for retrieval, why not just put it in the software? How much is a "reasonable reproduction cost"? Reasonable to whom? The programming language must be such that programmers would be able to interpret it. "Derived Works" is term number three and basically says that the software must be able to be modified and distributed "under the same terms as the license of the original software." So, what if the original software does not permit modification or free distribution? The fourth term, "Integrity of The Author's Source Code," says that the "license may restrict source code from being distributed in modified form" if it allows the distribution of "patch files" so that the program can be modified. The licence must "explicitly permit distribution of software built from modified source code." Also, if you modify the program, you may have to use a different name or version number. Term five, "No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups," is self explanatory as is Term six, "No discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor." Term seven, "Distribution of License," says that whoever receives the program does not have to execute an additional license. Term eight, "License Must Not be Specific to a Product," is a little wordy, but seems to mean that anyone receiving the program has the same rights as the original. "License Must Not Restrict Other Software" is term number nine and says that other software distributed at the same time need not be open source software. And finally, number ten, "License Must Be Technology-Neutral," says, "No provision of the license may be predicated on any individual technology or style of interface. You can interpret this one! Seems like a bunch of restrictions on "open" software to me. So, that is the description of open source as stated on the website of the Open Source Institute. |