What is open source ?

Open source refers to a software development model where the source code is made public, allowing anyone to consult, modify and distribute the software according to their needs and following precise rules. This approach encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing within the developer community, enabling continuous improvement and innovation of the software. Open source is based on licences that specify how the software can be used, modified and shared. This philosophy is not limited to software alone, but can also be extended to other areas such as hardware, data and content, where the principles of transparency, collaboration and free access are valued. In short, open source is a way of working together in an open and shared way, with the emphasis on community and collective improvement rather than exclusive individual or commercial interests.

Why should you use open source programmes ?

Using and favouring open source in the IT world represents a strategic choice for many companies and developers, because it means adopting a software development model where the source code is accessible to the public. This transparency offers freedom of modification, use and sharing under specific licences, such as those promoted by the GNU/Linux movement. So why turn to open source?

Open source software, such as that developed under the Linux operating system or database management solutions, allows users and companies to explore, modify and optimise the code for their specific projects. This freedom stimulates innovation, because the community of developers, whether independent or attached to large companies such as Red Hat, can collaborate on the continuous improvement of products.

Open source software, such as that developed under the Linux operating system or database management solutions, allows users and companies to explore, modify and optimise the code for their specific projects. This freedom stimulates innovation, because the community of developers, whether independent or attached to large companies such as Red Hat, can collaborate on the continuous improvement of products. Open source software is a future-proof solution, and its collaborative development model means that it can be continually and regularly updated and improved. Their adaptability to technological change means that this software can survive for a very long time, regardless of organisational changes or project discontinuities, offering a sustainable and secure solution for users and businesses in the long term.

Open source licences also make it easier to customise software, enabling companies to develop bespoke solutions that meet their exact requirements. This level of customisation is essential for customers who demand unique applications and web services. In addition, the use of open source platforms in the cloud offers businesses the ability to operate large-scale infrastructures without the constraints of proprietary software licences, optimising the management of IT resources and reducing costs.

Finally, the open source model fosters a culture of sharing and collaboration within the global IT community, contributing to the development of innovative solutions and collective problem-solving. Open source projects attract a wide range of talent, from individual developers to large corporations, all motivated by the desire to contribute to a rich and diverse ecosystem. In short, opting for open source is a decision motivated by advantages in terms of freedom, security, flexibility, innovation and cost. Companies and users who choose to use and support the open source movement contribute not only to the evolution of their own IT solutions, but also to the overall advancement of the technology sector.

Examples of open source systems, applications or software :

In the vast world of computing, the use of open source systems and software represents a revolution in the way software is developed, distributed and used. These products, governed by licences that encourage the modification, sharing and improvement of source code, offer unprecedented freedom to users, developers and businesses, fuelling a global movement in favour of innovation and collaboration.

Linux, for example, is an operating system licensed under the GNU* (*GNU Public license 2.0), which forms the basis of many servers, desktop operating systems and cloud devices. Its open source nature allows businesses to use and modify it without the restrictions imposed by proprietary software, providing a flexible and secure solution for managing data and IT infrastructures.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux, acquired by IBM in 2019, is another powerful illustration of how business models can be built around open source solutions. Providing services and support for its open source products, Red Hat shows how businesses can benefit from the security, support, and stability of open source systems while contributing to the development of the community.

Web applications like WordPress demonstrate the impact of open source in web development, allowing users to create custom websites using a flexible and extensible platform. WordPress illustrates how an open source project can become a global solution for web content management, supported by a vibrant community of developers and businesses that contribute to its evolution.

Nextcloud offers an open source alternative to proprietary cloud solutions, enabling businesses and individuals to deploy their own online data storage and sharing services. This model ensures greater control over data, reinforcing security and confidentiality, while promoting freedom of use and modification of the software.

When it comes to development, Git, a distributed version management system, facilitates collaboration between developers on projects of all sizes, by simplifying the management of modifications and versions of source code. Git, being open source itself, perfectly embodies the principles of collaboration and knowledge sharing that are at the heart of the open source movement.

Docker, a containerisation platform, illustrates how open source can revolutionise application deployment by enabling developers to “build once, run anywhere”, thanks to containers that package software in lightweight, portable systems.

These examples, among many others, illustrate why open source has become a fundamental part of the IT industry, offering benefits in terms of freedom of use, innovation, security and accessibility for both individual developers and large enterprises. Choosing open source solutions represents an enlightened approach for those seeking to fully exploit the possibilities offered by modern technology, while contributing to a more open and collaborative digital ecosystem.

What Murena has to offer :

Murena offers you phones based on respect for your life and your private data, running on the open source /e/OS operating system. Murena Cloud also offers you an entire ecosystem including an e-mail account, calendar, drive and online office suite, based on proven open-source software such as NextCloud and OnlyOffice.

To take things a step further, the applications available on App Lounge, the application shop for Murena phones, you can easily find free and open source applications that you can get on F-droid as well as Android applications that you would find on Google Play.

Our system also lets you know which trackers are hidden in applications: you can see how many and which trackers are hidden in the application you want to add. In particular, you can see the number and list of permissions required by the application to function. With an easy-to-read score out of 5, you can see which applications are safe and which should be avoided.