6. 2. 1  Advantages

The advantages of free software for customers constitute an important part of the company's business opportunity because they affect its market positioning.

Economic effects

Free software gives the customer independence from technology providers, alternatives to proprietary products and services (or possibly other free solutions), use of an increasing range of software linked to standards and their subsequent complementarities, and interchangeable software situations (commoditisation).

Costs

The increased efficiency and effectiveness in the management of technology costs can be very significant for end customers, whether individuals or companies of any size.

Due to its more efficient and effective management, free software encourages the introduction of changes in cost structure and the technology investments of customers.

We can cut implementation costs by using free software distributed without charge or by reducing the forced upgrading of equipment within very short periods. These savings can then be used to finance services or long-term technology investments (such as lower system maintenance costs).

Recommended website

J. García; A. Romeo; C. Prieto (2003). Análisis Financiero del Software Libre (Ch. 7) <http://www.lapastillaroja.net/capitulos_liberados_pdf/la_pastilla_roja_ capitulo_7.pdf>

In addition, free access to the source code encourages the specialisation and extension of applications based on free software by the customer – or by a specialist company.

Ethical values

In some cases, the ethical values associated with the free software movement, such as transparency, independence, equality and cooperation, may be appropriate to the aims and ends of the customer – or to the image it attempts to portray.