Utilization Of Open Source Software Research Articles

Utilization of Open Source Software in Academic Libraries

Utilization of Open Source Software in Academic Libraries

Utilization of Open Source Software in Nigeria Academic Libraries: Matters Arising

This study assessed the factors affecting the effective utilization of KOHA by librarians in Nigerian academic and research libraries. A descriptive survey was adopted using a purposive sampling technique to select forty-five libraries over the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria (twenty universities, both private and public, ten Polytechnics, and five colleges of education). An online structured questionnaire was sent to forty-five libraries. Thirty-six libraries completed the questionnaire. This was analyzed by constraints to use, the extent of use, and effectiveness of Koha using simple frequency and percentage. The findings revealed that lack of institutional support, inadequate information, and negative attitudes of librarians were some of the challenges facing Koha in Nigeria. Based on the findings, libraries should implement Koha and join the Koha software users’ group for effective understanding and utilization of all modules.

Intellectual Property Licensing Tensions: In Utilizing Open Source Software in the Formal Standard Setting Context - The Case of Apache V.2 in ETSI As a Start

Open Source Software (OSS) is playing an increasing role in ICT standardizations on future technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things. Formal standard settings organizations (SSOs) are exploring ways to utilize OSS. This paper depicts the difference between open source licenses and the current SSOs legal framework in dealing with intellectual property rights, mainly the FRAND license commitment for patented technologies and copyright guidelines for software in specifications. Such difference might cause tensions in the two scenarios of the interactions between SSOs and OSS: in the implementation phase and in the standardization activity phase. We argue that the current IPRs framework of SSOs shows gaps in utilization of OSS. Further, one recent example from the ETSI, hosting an open source project under Apache v.2, might enrich our findings and shed some light on how SSOs can avoid tensions by adjusting the governing framework.

Open science in practice: Learning integrated modeling of coupled surface‐subsurface flow processes from scratch

AbstractIntegrated modeling of coupled surface‐subsurface flow and ensuing role in diverse Earth system processes is of current research interest to characterize nonlinear rainfall‐runoff response and also to understand land surface energy balances, biogeochemical processes, geomorphological dynamics, etc. A growing number of complex models have been developed for water‐related research, and many of these are made available to the Earth science community. However, relatively few resources have been made accessible to the potentially large group of Earth science and engineering users. New users have to invest an extraordinary effort to study the models. To provide a stimulating experience focusing on the learning curve of integrated modeling of coupled surface‐subsurface flow, we describe use cases of an open source model, the Penn State Integrated Hydrologic Model, PIHM. New users were guided through data processing and model application by reproducing a numerical benchmark problem and a real‐world watershed simulation. Specifically, we document the PIHM application and its computational workflow to enable intuitive understanding of coupled surface‐subsurface flow processes. In addition, we describe the user experience as important evidence of the significance of reusability. The interaction shows that documentation of data, software, and computational workflow in research papers is a promising method to foster open scientific collaboration and reuse. This study demonstrates how open science practice in research papers would promote the utility of open source software. Addressing such open science practice in publications would promote the utility of journal papers. Further, popularization of such practice will require coordination among research communities, funding agencies, and journals.

Rate-Based Queueing Simulation Model of Open Source Software Debugging Activities

Open source software (OSS) approach has become increasingly prevalent for software development. As the widespread utilization of OSS, the reliability of OSS products becomes an important issue. By simulating the testing and debugging processes of software life cycle, the rate-based queueing simulation model has shown its feasibility for closed source software (CSS) reliability assessment. However, the debugging activities of OSS projects are different in many ways from those of CSS projects and thus the simulation approach needs to be calibrated for OSS projects. In this paper, we first characterize the debugging activities of OSS projects. Based on this, we propose a new rate-based queueing simulation framework for OSS reliability assessment including the model and the procedures. Then a decision model is developed to determine the optimal version-updating time with respect to two objectives: minimizing the time for version update, and maximizing OSS reliability. To illustrate the proposed framework, three real datasets from Apache and GNOME projects are used. The empirical results indicate that our framework is able to effectively approximate the real scenarios. Moreover, the influences of the core contributor staffing levels are analyzed and the optimal version-updating times are obtained.

Use of Open Source Software in Health Care Delivery – Results of a Qualitative Field Study

To assess and analyze the attitude of health IT executives towards the utilization of specialized medical Open Source software (OSS) in Germany's and other European countries' health care delivery. After an initial literature review a field study was carried out based on semi-structured expert interviews. Eight German and 11 other European health IT executives were surveyed. The results were qualitatively analyzed using the grounded theory approach. Identified concepts were reviewed using SWOT analysis. In total, 13 strengths, 11 weaknesses, 3 opportunities, and 8 threats of the utilization of OSS in a clinical setting could be identified. Additionally, closely related aspects like general software procurement criteria, the overall attitude of health IT executives, users, and management towards OSS and its current and future use could as well be assessed. Medical OSS is rarely used in health care delivery. In order to capitalize the unique advantages of OSS in a clinical setting, complex requirements need to be addressed. Shortcomings of OSS describe an attractive breeding ground for new commercial offerings and services that need yet to be seen.

Enablers of Open Source Software adoption: A case study of APS organisations

Despite a considerable body of literature investigating factors involved in the Open Source Software (OSS) adoption process, there is little research into adoption of OSS by public sector organisations. So it was important to reassess the factors enabling OSS adoption in order to enhance OSS utilization within public sector organisations. This study explored various factors that may enable OSS adoption within Australian Public Sector (APS) organisations by interviewing those involved in software procurement. The findings were analysed through the lenses of technology adoption theories (i.e, Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)), and OSS adoption literature. Success of OSS in government agencies was found to be contingent on critical aspects such as availability of support and maintainability of OSS products, ability to meet organisational business needs in a cost effective manner, economic value associated with OSS such as maintenance and training costs, and attitude of staff toward OSS. The findings suggested that Rogers’ relative advantage and compatibility constructs are major enablers while organisational attributes, environmental attributes, and TAM’s attributes also had some influence on OSS adoption.

A strategic analysis for successful open source software utilization based on a structural equation model

Commercial software companies face many challenges when competing in today’s fast moving and competitive industry environment. Recently, the use of open source software (OSS) has been proposed as a possible way to address those challenges. OSS provides many benefits, including high-quality software and substantial profits. Nevertheless, OSS has not been effectively utilized in real business. The purpose of this paper is to find what affects the utilization of OSS. For this study, we propose a structural equation model (SEM) to analyze the relationships between the quality factors based on ISO/IEC 9126 and OSS utilization. In addition, we suggest an open source software utilization index (OSSUI) based on the proposed SEM. The results provide us with the controllable feedback information to improve user (programmer) satisfaction during OSS utilization.

Gaining competitive advantage in a knowledge‐based economy through the utilization of open source software

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to educate the knowledge worker on the benefits of using open source software, and to demonstrate how open source methodology promotes the collaborative and innovative attributes of knowledge management.Design/methodology/approachThe author lists the open source initiative's definition for open source products, licensing information, the value of open source in a global economy, misconceived barriers to open source adoption, a functional comparison of open source and commercial software products, and web sites where open source products may be obtained.FindingsOpen source usage is prevalent throughout the world for governmental, business, educational, military, and space exploration purposes. Notwithstanding, some commercial enterprises such as the Microsoft Corporation have viewed the open source movement as a threat to profitability, citing alleged intellectual property infringement violations. However, other commercial entities such as IBM, Oracle, Novell, and Apple computer have embraced open source technology to conduct business operations as well as satisfy customer needs. Public appeal for open source products has been strong enough for Microsoft, through a recent public statement, to disclose that the firm wishes to “build a bridge” with the open source community, an apparent realization that open source is here to stay. The knowledge worker should understand that commercial and open source applications may coexist in the same IT environment.Originality/valueA knowledge enterprise's total cost of ownership (TCO) can be significantly reduced through the use of open source software, resulting in an improvement to overall performance attributed to the collaborative and innovative nature of the open source model. Enterprises can benefit by taking a closer look at how open source technology helps to meet organizational goals and objectives in the most efficient and effective manner available.

Impacts of License Choice and Organizational Sponsorship on User Interest and Development Activity in Open Source Software Projects

What differentiates successful from unsuccessful open source software projects? This paper develops and tests a model of the impacts of license restrictiveness and organizational sponsorship on two indicators of success: user interest in, and development activity on, open source software development projects. Using data gathered from Freshmeat.net and project home pages, the main conclusions derived from the analysis are that (1) license restrictiveness and organizational sponsorship interact to influence user perceptions of the likely utility of open source software in such a way that users are most attracted to projects that are sponsored by nonmarket organizations and that employ nonrestrictive licenses, and (2) licensing and sponsorship address complementary developer motivations such that the influence of licensing on development activity depends on what kind of organizational sponsor a project has. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, and the paper outlines several avenues for future research.

9.2.4 Open Source Software Assessment for the Naval Oceanographic Office

AbstractThis paper describes an ongoing analysis of the utility of Open Source software at the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO). NAVOCEANO possesses leading‐edge technical and science skills for the application of Information Technology (IT) in processing oceanographic data over multiple scientific domains. NAVOCEANO produces numerous information products supporting U.S. Navy operations, the Department of Defense, and the other military branches, as well as various national and international customers. These capabilities are critical to developing and maintaining the highest quality oceanographic products for the Navy fleet. In addition, NAVOCEANO maintains an extensive library of state‐of‐the‐art scientific applications software.The Open Source Software Institute (OSSI) is a nonprofit organization that promotes development and implementation of Open Source software solutions within government and academic institutions.In 2001 NAVOCEANO requested OSSI assess the use of Open Source software within NAVOCEANO, and OSSI contracted with Olliance Consulting Group to assist with this effort. The objectives, scope, approach, and some preliminary results of this evolving Open Source assessment are presented.