Open source software requires strict governance as it often "flies under the radar" in many IT firms, according to one expert.
The software needs to be closely monitored if governance is not in place, to avoid licensing issues by companies, reports SearchSOA.com.
A new report from the Burton Group has highlighted the use of open source software components in developers' work, potentially placing companies in legal difficulty.
Joe Niski, the senior analyst for application platform strategies at Burton and the report's author, told the website that many companies may assume the software is their sole property, without realising it contains some open source software.
He added that ignorance is not bliss, with companies potentially facing legal and it problems if the issue is ignored.
Mr Niski stated that the risk of breaching intellectual property rights or violating an open source license increased with the use of the software.
It was recently revealed by a new study that open source software is the future of the license industry, offering value for money, freedom and flexibility.
Learn more about SAM solutions from Centennial Software
Centennial Software (www.centennial-software.com) is a leading developer of asset management and network security solutions with more than five million licenses sold to blue-chip organizations around the world. Centennial's growing portfolio of solutions helps organizations better manage their IT infrastructure, maintain compliance and minimize operational risks. Centennial products are available through a global network of approved resellers and market-leading OEM vendors. The company operates offices in the USA, UK, Germany, Sweden and Australia.
Corporate & UK
Matt Fisher, Vice President Marketing
Tel: +44 (0)1793 836200
Germany & Central Europe
Veronika Bliem, Lewis PR
Tel: +49 89 173019 20
Email: veronikab@lewispr.com
Justin Hall, Voxus PR
Tel: 253-853-5151 Email: jhall@voxuspr.com
Scott Pettet, Lewis PR
Tel: +61 (2) 9409 3100
Email: scottp@lewispr.com