More companies using open source

The open source revolution is taking hold – new research from Gartner shows 85% of companies now use open source software products.

The data also shows the remaining 15% intend to adopt open source programs within the coming year.

But only 31% of companies surveyed have formal policies for investigating the use of open source software (OSS). Several companies say cost is the motivating factor for switching to open source, along with avoiding vendor lock-in.

But Gartner research director Laurie Wuster told ZDnet companies need to think about more than getting a cheap deal.

“Just because something is free doesn’t mean that it has no cost. Companies must have a policy for procuring OSS, deciding which applications will be supported by OSS, and identifying the intellectual property risk or supportability risk associated with using OSS. Once a policy is in place, then there must be a governance process to enforce it.”

Find out how to improve your business with open source software on SmartCompany.