Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) as an option for Non-Mission Critical Applications within XYZ Limited.

Abstract

The topic of software adoption in organisations has attracted scholars to research and propose different approaches that aid companies to identify the main elements to consider when new systems are introduced into the business, such as stakeholder engagement, and associated cost of ownership amongst others. The importance of cost reduction initiatives undertaken by XYZ Ltd., has led this research to focus its investigation to identify the underlying components to reduce total cost of ownership of software considered to be non-mission critical. The study researched the different factors required to achieve sustainable cost reduction throughout the Corporate Office at XYZ Ltd. by adopting Free/Libre and Open Source Software as an alternative to commercially licensed software for non-mission critical applications. The research thoroughly covered an extensive evaluation of theoretical business frameworks, more than sixty relevant and current academic journals and publications as literature review, and a survey to capture the organisation’s readiness and perception towards FLOSS adoption. The key findings of this research revealed that FLOSS can bring financial sustainable benefits to the organisation, but hidden costs need to be thoroughly assessed before taken a decision to implement it. More than 50% of the employees surveyed perceives Open Source Software an attractive option to adopt as alternative software to unlock cost reduction and avoid vendor lock-in, however technical teams sees it as risky and complex to maintain and support. Finally, the study concludes that FLOSS adoption for non-mission critical applications has been proven to be an economically attractive option, nevertheless knowledge about Open Source Software as well as the different methodologies behind its development, have to be explored and learned by the technical teams, as they are a key component for successful adoption and will eventually be responsible to support and maintain such applications.