(photo by Idealware)

Idealware is a nonprofit that does consumer reports type evaluations for the non profit industry. This article is intended to help nonprofits that might be considering Open Source options.

 I was pleased to see a good description of the Open and Freedom part of Open Source.

First, you are free to run these software packages for any purpose--you generally don’t pay anything to acquire them. Second, the source code is free--you can see the code and understand how it works. Third, you are free to copy and redistribute the package to anyone you want. And finally, you are free to modify the software however you like, and to release those modifications.

They also mention how Vendor-Provided is actually not the opposite of Open Source.

In truth, the idea of “vendor-provided” and “open source” solutions are not opposites. A vendor can develop a software package and then release it under an open source license--typically then making money from support or implementation work. Conversely, many firms provide services, support and even packaged implementations for open source software.

I've really liked what I've seen out of Idealware and I'm very pleased they are looking at Open Source.