By James B. Hyatt
San Francisco

Apple Computer Inc.'s March announcement that it will release its new server operating system as "open source" software is just the latest in a series of moves by established technology firms to change the way they handle software development and support.

Earlier in the month, IBM Corp. announced it will provide hardware, software and technical support for the Linux operating system, perhaps the best-known open source application - or one in which the codes are open to users. Netscape Corp. likewise said it will release the source code for its Navigator browser.

What does this mean for nonprofits?

While it doesn't mean free software on demand, one nonprofit tech leader insists the move to open source software is nothing less than a technological revolution on par with the advent of the Internet.

"The implications for nonprofits are immense," says Marshall Mayer of the Rockefeller Technology Project. "For the first time in history, the potential for 'creating' software with, for and by nonprofits is possible. Not only is software becoming smart enough - good software is nothing more than the accumulated knowledge of humans, with an easy-to-access and digital user interface - but the terrain on which tools are created is now increasingly open.

"And most importantly, nonprofit values are actually being written into code." What, exactly, is open source and how can it benefit nonprofits?

In traditional commercial software development, the source code - or the program's operating instructions - is locked away from the user. People who buy the package off the shelf can't customize the application beyond a certain point, and have to rely on the software manufacturer for technical support and upgrades.

The open source movement, which makes program source code available to developers free of charge, is being taken seriously by corporations. While they give up absolute ownership of the code, they gain a community of technology users who can review the software for bugs, suggest improvement and enhancements and provide support for other users.

How will the average nonprofit worker - who may not work online every day or may not regard himself or herself as a computer whiz - benefit from the public release of operating code? Through the ability to customize existing programs to suit the need of individual organizations, says Judi Clark, Webmaster for the NetAction open source collective.

With open source, she says, "the software used by nonprofits is highly customizable - valuable when non-profit needs are unique and not always served by off-the-shelf commercialware. Over time, non-profits and others will also benefit through access to the documents of others."

For example, she says, small nonprofits with older software can have a tough time using electronic documents or files sent to them from consultants or others using the latest versions of software that's not even in the same format as the software the nonprofit uses.

"It's not pretty," she says. "Over time, the open source applications will help bridge this file 'format-translation' problem, making our work more effective with less distractions."

NetAction, a project of San Francisco's nonprofit Tides Center, promotes the open source software model and offers information online about open source programs and support. The organization also has called on the federal government to begin using open source programs as a way to save money.

In addition to cost savings, open source also is expected to make software programs easier to use, less prone to crash and have better technical support.

How is that possible? By a "community-based" approach to creating, updating and supporting software, says Mayer of the Rockefeller Technology Project.

"Imagine a world where the cost of developing software is paid for by philanthropy - either from foundations or high-tech companies, or both, through a kind of nonprofit technology development fund; the results are distributed free and open; and lots of users start adapting it to their own needs," Mayer says. "Users contact each other for a major part of their technical support, and in doing so collaborate not only in the development of technology, but the implementation of their missions.

"Because the collaborations are very successful, the byproducts of the software development could actually be integrated into future versions. The software development cycle is predicated on a continual learning environment and reciprocity."

Open source may represent a technological revolution that promises to make software applications cheaper, more powerful and better-supported, but the open source movement is still in the early stages of development.

"Since much of it is still early, it's not any easier for a new person [to use] than any other computer resources, and sometimes harder," NetAction's Clark says. "Tech support might be easier to come by, especially over time as the support structure develops.

"Meanwhile, local computer user groups should consider - if they don't already - holding meetings on this topic."

Also, while some applications are available free of charge, the major software makers who are embracing open source aren't likely to throw open their doors and give away their products.

"A common misunderstanding is that open source software is free," Mayer says. Some software might be free, he says, "but even this masks the 'total cost of ownership,' which is different from a group's relationship with proprietary software vendors.

"Especially when it comes to technical support for open source, nonprofits need to pay 'something', since it is humans that make it possible for nonprofit to build their 'human' capacity to use new tools. In a market economy, we have no choice. Humans need fair compensation for providing this help."

While using open source software means committing more time and effort to learning about individual software programs and the larger community of software developers, its usually worth the commitment, Mayer says.

"There is a lot of good proprietary software out there, and nonprofits should be using it - especially if they can get it donated, and can affordably access qualified technology assistance," he says. "But increasingly there is a lot of open source software that does the job just as well, if not better. Nonprofits should seriously consider all the alternatives."

James B. Hyatt can be reached at
jbhyatt@mindspring.com