Open source software has rapidly became commonplace in the industry.  It is no longer considered second rate and is competing with the industry leaders for both users and popularity.  Open source software is competing in almost every area of the industry with non-open source software.  Open source software allows everyone to have a chance to get affordable, often free, programs that are just as good, if not better, than the alternative, expensive choices.

Open source software falls into one of two areas of open source philosophy.  One area is the Free Software Movement.  Under this movement it is thought that open source software should be free.  It should never be owned and the original programming should be respected and protected.  Above all else, everything should remain open source if it uses open source code.  The other area is the Open Source Movement.  This movement is more business friendly.  It allows for a BSD license that allows the programmer to use the code without having a requirement that any changes be shared. 

Open source software is always changing and evolving.  The whole idea of open source software is just this.  The idea to allow it to keep growing and improving is the heart of all open source software.  Through these improvements more and more applications are being introduced.  Many tools are being developed and new packages are being introduced that are comparable to non-open source options.  These new open source programs are starting to take the place of non-open source programs.  The reason is partial due to cost, but also because they open source programs are always getting better.

Changes make open source products valuable to business.  They are becoming more common in business atmospheres where they are being used over non-open source programs.  These products are more usable and cost efficient.  They offer the same performance reliability as non-open source option, but without the cost and with far less risk of crashes and problems.  They are also easy to use and usually developed to be user friendly. 

Open source is seeing a future in embedded Linux.  Linux us used for many devices such as TiVo and the gPhone from Google.  This movement is allowing open source to go into other areas where it has never been before.  Taking the control of the industry away from the former powerhouses.

Open source software has a bright future and many applications.  It is sure to not fade from the spotlight, but actual find its star glowing much brighter than ever before.