Ron Bongo Discusses the Benefits of Open-Source Software

Open-source software allows the user to use, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified forms. Ron Bongo is an advocate of the Open Solutions Alliance. This non-profit, vendor-neutral consortium is dedicated to promoting the adoption of comprehensive open solutions and vendor interoperability.

Ron Bongo has witnessed first hand the growing need for interoperability between applications. This is necessary in order for the true benefits of open source to be realized. Open-source software provides the ability to integrate more, customize more and build that into the overall project.

Realizing the significant benefits that could be produced for clients using open-source software, Ron Bongo offers an example of the money that can be saved using this technology. He explains how in one instance, the cost of the software license from a traditional business intelligence vendor came in at more than $100,000 compared with $20,000 for JasperSoft. For many applications, he estimates open-source solutions as costing hundreds of thousands of dollars less than proprietary offerings.