Lower software costs for any project

Open source software has no cost of purchase, therefore even in mixed technology projects its use significantly lowers costs. These can be seen as simple savings, or greater budgets for other areas of a project such as implementation, customisation and better quality service and support.

Freedom from 'Vendor Lock-in'

Flagged as one of the major benefits of open source software by recent UK government reports, open source technology gives organisations control over their own investments in software and development, freeing them from long-term dependency on any particular vendor or supplier. Put simply organisations regain choice: if necessary they can ditch an unsatisfactory service providers and suppliers whilst keeping their investment in the software.

No Ongoing License and No Marginal Cost for Growth

As significant as its purchase cost, open source software has no ongoing license costs. In addition to lowering the ongoing yearly running costs for any IT solution, this also means that new users can be added and systems opened up to partners and customers without the need to purchase additional seats or licenses.