Firms ‘could save billions’ by switching to open-source software

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Switching to open-source software could save companies billions of rupiah and free them from the shackles of vendor lock-in, experts say, as it reduces dependence on specific solutions dominated by a handful of tech giants. “Adopting open-source software is a promising avenue for increasing technological independence,” Arif Perdana, associate professor in digital strategy and data science at Monash University, told The Jakarta Post on July 25. Unlike proprietary software, which is licensed and restricted, open-source code is freely available and can be customized to meet specific needs without exorbitant fees. “The long-term savings could be substantial,” Arif highlighted, “mainly by eliminating hefty licensing fees, and companies might avoid the escalating expenses often associated with vendor lock-in as businesses grow.”