Today’s article considers some of the similarities, and differences, between community versions and enterprise versions of open source software.  Mature open source usually comes from one of two sources of global communities: 1) communities like the Apache Software Foundation that are not directly affiliated with a specific corporate entity, or 2) commercial and open source software companies.   

As a developer I'm always keeping my eye out for new technologies that can help me do my job better or faster. There's a saying in this industry: "work smarter, not harder." If I can use a piece of existing code instead of writing it from scratch, I will, unless there's a good reason not to. And diving into a new language, library, framework, or database can be like wearing a brand new pair of jeans. The novelty is exciting.

Making the case internally to embrace open source software as a viable, and improved alternative to commercial software, is no easy task.  This is why I have outlined for you 4 tools to help solidify your case for change, and prepare you for opposition you might encounter.