Return to Article: From Nextgov.com: Defense: Open source software is more secure, yes more, than commercial code

By Jill R. Aitoro jaitoro@govexec.com November 5, 2009
  • 91953

    "The big draw back in using open source software that many people forget is that once you have modified the software you have now taken on all responsibility to continue to maintain it."

    So? We don't modify Windows. Why would we modify Linux? Besides, how many PCs does the Government have? A few? Times how much per copy of Windoze? And how many less IT people would we need with a better OS?? And how many more years could we run each PC without having to upgrade just to run the latest Windows, just because of security concerns? Answer, MS Fanboy.

    Captain Conelrad Posted November 13, 2009 9:10 AM
  • 91428

    Agree with you wholeheartedly, Mark. Nothing is more frustrating than watching our people waste so much time and money tied up with stupid Microsoft software issues related to the OS, security, COTS/GOTS integration, etc. Is there any good reason we couldn't use iMacs for SCI and GENSER DVTCs? At $6k a pop, that's not good bang for the buck. At our command, we're resisting the move to Windows variants of current UNIX C2/ISR systems for the simple reason that what we have works reliably. That in itself justifies the higher initial procurement costs.

    Chris Posted November 6, 2009 12:13 PM
  • 91404

    The big draw back in using open source software that many people forget is that once you have modified the software you have now taken on all responsibility to continue to maintain it. It is no longer "standard" and any time you upgrade it you must modify it again. Most agencies are unwilling or unable to hire the expertise to take on that level of software maintenances. When salaries and the cost of software support infrastructure are figured in the cost of "free" open source software can quickly exceed that of commercial software. Maintaining OS level software is not trivial and it takes extensive knowledge and experience to do so and keep it secure. Free isn't always the cheapest way to go.

    Ray R Posted November 6, 2009 9:59 AM
  • 91388

    So why are we installing Vista throughout DoD? Who is getting the kick-back from Microsoft? Bottom line: DoD should have migrated all of their systems to some "flavor" of UNIX years ago. Instead, we continue to make it easy for our opponent's government-paid hackers.

    Mark Posted November 6, 2009 8:30 AM

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From Nextgov.com: Defense: Open source software is more secure, yes more, than commercial code
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