Open source software is more secure

Microsoft stated that open source software is dangerous. Congressman Villanueva aptly pointed out that Microsoft gives no specifics on the dangers of open source software. Mr. Villanueva takes the stance that open source software is by it’s nature more secure in general than proprietary software. He bases his argument on the notion that, since the source code of proprietary software can’t be examined, its security can’t be assessed.

In my opinion, he has a valid point. Just consider the number of security flaws being constantly uncovered in Microsoft’s proprietary software. Security through obscurity can, and often does, lead to sloppy practices and lax security.

Microsoft states that the proposed Peruvian government policies supporting free open source software are anti-competitive and will cause a loss of jobs and corporate revenues. Microsoft also points out that open software is not truly free and actually will cost the government more in training and support.

The congressman counters by noting that Microsoft contradicts itself in indicating that open source software involves more costs than proprietary software. Mr. Villanueva also clarified that, while they believe they will save money, that is not the motivation behind backing open source software. The primary goals are better security and better accessibility of public information. He also takes a stinging jab at Microsoft by highlighting the irony of a business with monopolistic practices trying to say that supporting open source software is anti-competitive.

Mr. Villanueva  clarification has dual point, on one hand where he is discussing the security issue and supporting the open source applications while in the other point his conclusion is based on economic results where he is discouraging open source support. Let me clarify him the supply has its own demand. The more open source software popular the more demand it will create and thus there will be positive impact on economy. The free software does not means it will be free for whole life. The Peruvian government may take this policy to encourage this segment of IT industry so the existing commercial software companies become more competitive and can result in dropping down the prices of softwares.

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