Why Open Source?
Omni is committed to building open-source software, which includes apps, websites, APIs, developer tools, and other software that provides complete access to its source code. This allows users to inspect, modify, and redistribute it freely, including for free commercial usage. This inherent freedom promotes transparency, innovation, and community-driven development without restrictive licensing barriers.
Creating open-source software aligns with Omni’s core values, which prioritize freedom and openness. By developing with a focus on transparency, privacy, and security, Omni ensures its software is trustworthy and accessible. Moreover, by making the source code openly available, Omni invites the global community to engage in the highest level of collaboration, fostering innovation and collective improvement through shared contributions and scrutiny.
| Attribute | Omni Open Source Software | Proprietary Software |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Cost | No licensing fees, only predictable maintenance costs on your infrastructure of choice. | Recurring licensing fees and other potential fees that may change over time based on the supporting company. |
| 👨💻 Code Access | Complete access to source code for inspection and learning. | Source code is hidden and inaccessible to users. |
| 🔒 Security | Transparent security with “many eyes” approach to finding vulnerabilities. | Security through obscurity with limited external auditing. |
| ☁️ Deployment Options | Can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or hybrid environments. | Often limited to vendor-approved deployment scenarios, or no option at all. |
| 🧠 Knowledge Sharing | Fosters collaboration and public knowledge repositories. | Knowledge is proprietary and often siloed within the vendor. |
| 🏃♀️ Development Velocity | Distributed development model allows for parallel innovation. | Development pace constrained by internal resources and priorities. |
| ⚖️ Legal Compliance | Transparent licensing makes compliance verification straightforward. | Complex EULAs with hidden clauses can create compliance challenges. |
| 👔 Business Continuity | Software survives even if original creators move on. | Dependent on vendor’s business success and product roadmap. |
| ⛓️💥 Data Sovereignty | Full control over where and how data is stored and processed. | Often requires storing data on vendor-controlled infrastructure. |
| 🎗️ Community Governance | Democratic decision-making through community participation. | Top-down decision making with limited user input. |