Study Suggests That Android Is The Least Open

Analysis firm VisionMobile has released a report on eight popular open-source platforms.

 

 Analysis firm VisionMobile has revealed the results of its research on open-source platforms. The chosen test subjects were Android, MeeGo, Linux, Qt, WebKit, Mozilla, Eclipse, and Symbian. This research took over six months and included discussions with community leaders, project representatives, academics, and open source scholars. The platforms were then ranked on an Open Governance Index. Interestingly, the study suggests that Eclipse is the most open platform, while Android is the least.

To evaluate the openness of open-source projects, the following factors were taken into consideration:

Access - Availability of the latest source code, developer support mechanisms, public roadmap, and transparency of decision-making.

Development - Ability of developers to influence the content and direction of the project.

Derivatives - Ability for developers to create and distribute derivatives of the source code in the form of spin-off projects, handsets or applications.

Community - A community structure that did not discriminate between developers.

VisionMobile has praised Eclipse for being the most open platform in terms of access, development, and governance. On the other hand, the firm states that Android's success has more to do with Google's financial muscle than being open-source. Moreover, it adds that Android has gained support because people wanted someone to stand up against Apple. The full-fledged report can be downloaded here.

 

 

Posted in: Tech Info