Open Options | Arguments about open source

The table below summarizes some arguments about open source, with links to more detailed discussion. These arguments describe the best examples of current open source and proprietary software. Each argument has been rated as true, false, or maybe, based on its validity and relevance to schools. The most important arguments are marked .

Total cost of ownership

Proponents say:	Opponents say:
Open source has a much lower price.	Some software isn't compatible with open source.
The total cost of open source is lower.

Features & quality

Proponents say:	Opponents say:
Open source is more reliable.	Proprietary software has more features.
Open source is more secure.	Proprietary software is more user friendly.
Open source is more powerful.	Open source is not mature enough for schools.
Open source is more network friendly.	There are no open source solutions for some school needs.
Open source can be more customized.	Some curriculum software is incompatible with open source.
Open formats are better.
Open source supports better curricula in technology.

Deployment & maintenance

Proponents say:	Opponents say:
With open source you only pay for what you need.	Open source is harder to deploy.
Open source makes license management easier.	Proprietary software offers better service & support.
Open source means greater independence from companies.
Open source lets teachers & students take software home.

Users & migration

Proponents say:	Opponents say:
Some open source software is just as easy to learn how to use.	Migration is too expensive.
	K-12 users are more familiar & comfortable with proprietary software.
	It's difficult to integrate open source & proprietary solutions.

Free markets & choice

Proponents say:	Opponents say:
Software should be a commodity.	Schools need proprietary software to use some third-party programs.
Proprietary formats lead to vendor lock in.
Proprietary software leads to monopolies.

Principles & rights

Proponents say:	Opponents say:
The debate is really about philosophy, not money.	Schools don't have the luxury of experimenting.
Software is better when it's transparent.	Proprietary companies are already making their software transparent.
Open source is more empowering.	The best courseware will be more compatible with proprietary software.
Open source is community-driven & community-serving.	Open source threatens intellectual property rights.
Proprietary software threatens civil rights.	Open source is anti-business, anti-democracy, anti-American, etc.
Open source will protect civil rights.
Open source software will mean computers for everyone.

Table: Arguments about open source. Adjacent arguments are not necessarily in opposition.

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