The open source community scored a major victory this year as the Android OS took the dominant position in mobile market share, easily beating Microsoft’s closed-source mobile phone platform. ZDNet reports that the Android climbed to 75 percent market share in the first quarter of 2013, after enjoying explosive growth. Even though this isn’t a Linux platform, it is very encouraging news for all open-source fans. It is an especially promising sign for the upcoming Ubuntu operating system for smartphones. Gearburn reports that Canonical Ltd. CEO and founder Mark Shuttleworth has announced that this new OS will begin shipping in October.
How Open Source Software Is Superior to Proprietary Versions
For years, programmers and others have argued that open-source software is better than closed-source, proprietary versions like those produced by Microsoft and Apple. PCWorld notes that better security is one of the reasons. Since code is not hidden behind encryption or other obfuscation, a huge number of programmers can easily take a look at it and spot any security holes.
The magazine goes on to note that the same effect helps open-source software remain free of bugs and allows it to quickly add new features. Instead of going through an expensive development process with highly paid engineers, open-source software is able to receive and include patches from a wide variety of people – many of whom do the work for free. Motivated coders can also test these fixes without going through a long and bureaucratic corporate process.
The Benefits of Proprietary Software
Even though open-source software has many benefits, some customers continue to prefer proprietary versions like those produced by Microsoft and others. A CNET survey revealed these people are concerned about a lack of qualified vendors. The article also mentions that proprietary software fans believe their choice is easier to adopt.
While these concerns are certainly valid for some types of software, open-source providers have advanced greatly when it comes to high consumer interest. Smart phone operating systems and the apps that run on them fall directly into this category.
Android’s Rise to Dominance
The reason for Android’s rise to dominance is fairly simple, but its competitors don’t seem to realize that. MakeUseOf.com touts Android phones for their flexibility. On it, you can run any app that you want. Apple, on the other hand, tries to exert as much control as it can.
The site goes on to note that the Android offers many other forms of flexibility as well. The home screen is customizable, users can choose new launchers, and there are many hardware options. This level of choice is not available with proprietary options.
Speed is another benefit offered by the Android OS. While many people associate connection speed with their Internet service providers, the operating system actually has a lot to do with performance. People will notice that Android phones work better than those that use more bloated operating systems.
How Android Success May Affect the Open Source Movement
Since smart phones are so common, Android has put open source software into the hands of millions of people. This has allowed them to see the benefits of this type of development. The increased familiarity and positive experiences are likely to increase demand for many other types of open source solutions.
While Microsoft and Apple are in no danger of going out of business, the success of Android may force them to adapt. It is likely that consumers will eventually be unwilling to put up with the limited choices and rigid corporate practices associated with proprietary software.