Open source refers to a model of licensing software such that the software’s source-code is made available to the users of the software and they are required to pay no royalty. The terms of availability of open source software allows the users to redistribute, modify, and add elements to the software, however, with some degree of restriction (Business Software Alliance, 2007). Open source software is different from commercial software because in the latter, the developer does not disclose the source-code. The user of the commercial software is restricted from modifying the software or reproducing it to protect the commercial interests of the developer (Business Software Alliance, 2007). The current IT environment continues to experience innovation, and the software developers have focused on the emerging issues that affect the use of their software, for example, making their software more secure and reliable. Other emerging issues that the software developers focus on while improving their software include flexibility, accountability, support, cost, and auditability (Benefits of Open Source Software, 2015). It is important to understand how the innovations in software development have affected the choice and preference of the organizations on the types of software that they use.
