The Tech News World article “Refining Due Diligence for Enterprise Open Source” brings up an important point about making sure enterprises get the most from their open source systems.  There are dozens of open source tools on the market that can perform necessary security functions quickly and cost effectively but when it comes to enterprise success there is much more to consider to really be secure.

Open source tools can be and often are not just equivalent to commercial products. Sometimes they’re flat-out better.  So we’re probably used to thinking about open source software for security, but we’re maybe not as used to thinking about the security of open source.

The article begins with the importance of practical security.  This has nothing to do with the overall advantages or disadvantages of open source security software but more with understanding exactly what types of application is needed.  Meaning the security team needs to understand exactly what they need so that they do not negatively affect their firm’s security.  This means even considering open source alternatives that can get the job done.  It is also important to understand the differences about open source.  Enterprises must think about the factors that are important to them and evaluate open source applications accordingly.  Teams can then accurately analyze the differences and plan accordingly.

Open source applications can get the job done for enterprises.  Companies such as Lucid Imagination have proven this but with anything else it is important for enterprises to dig deep to make sure that they not only understand what they need but what they are getting.  Taking the time to do it right the first time can save a lot of time and energy later.

April Holmes, August 10, 2012

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