The concerns are valid, and addressing them always requires detailed and thoughtful implementation strategies. But a new day has come and open-source has arrived. There are now mature open-source solutions for leading enterprise technology and communications requirements including file management, communications, email, CRM, web sites, content and asset management, systems integration and more.

For example I have promoted Drupal as a web site content management solution for 3 years, and on October 24 the whitehouse.gov web site was relaunched on Drupal completing a transition from running on proprietary software to becoming another open-source site. This marks an acceptance that open-source does not pose additional risks compared to proprietary solutions, enables rapid implementation, and offers freedom and flexibility in integrating new technologies for future expansion. There are also many examples of corporate open-source success with leading solutions like Sugar CRM and the Alfresco enterprise content management system.

This is a terrific time where organizations large and small have viable cutting edge open-source options for advanced technology solutions that provide significant cost benefits while delivering unprecedented flexibility. Consider an open-souce solution for your next technology initiative.