Open Source Way Forward For Artificial Intelligence Landscape

Industry leaders advocate for open-source AI to enhance accessibility and foster innovation

The debate surrounding open- source versus proprietary software in the artificial intelligence industry is a prominent issue today with key figures such as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg offering significant perspectives on the topic.

Open-source AI involves a shift in control over source code, granting access to all, thereby democratizing the technology.

This shift has far-reaching implications for the tech sector and the burgeoning AI industry, which holds immense potential for fierce competition.

So, why are industry leaders advocating for open-source software (OSS) and what does this entail for the AI industry?

We’ll begin by defining open software and explaining its role in AI followed by an examination of the potential impacts on the industry’s future.

What is Open Source ?

The term “open-source” pertains to software that is openly available allowing anyone to access view, modify, or enhance its code.

This is markedly different from closed-source software (CSS), where the code is proprietary and controlled solely by its creator, who alone has the authority to access and modify it.

How does this distinction impact the software and its users? Let’s explore five key aspects of both open-source and closed-source software to understand the differences.

Cost

Typically, open-source software is available at no cost whereas closed-source software usually requires payment.

Some open-source software companies do offer paid upgrades for more advanced models that include additional services, functions, and features.

In contrast, closed-source software often includes these extended features as part of the package, contributing to its higher price.

Flexibility

Closed-source software inherently lacks flexibility, as it does not allow users to modify the source code to meet their specific needs.

Conversely, open-source software offers greater adaptability, enabling users to view and alter the source code as they see fit.

Security & Privacy

Interestingly, the security of open-source versus closed-source software isn’t universally agreed upon; it’s often a matter of perspective.

Proponents of open-source software argue that it can be more secure because a community of skilled professionals can review and improve the code collectively.

On the other hand, supporters of closed-source software contend that its private codebases reduce the risk of exploitation, as they are not accessible to the public.

Ultimately, the choice between open-source and closed-source software depends on what users feel most comfortable with regarding security.

Support & Services

Since open-source software is generally free, official support systems are often limited. However, users can usually find considerable assistance through community forums.

For those who opt to pay for premium versions of open-source software, professional support is often included.

In contrast, closed-source software, which typically involves a significant financial investment, usually provides users with access to comprehensive support services.

Easy to Use

Many industry professionals believe that closed-source software is more user-friendly because it is intentionally designed to be accessible and easy to use.

However, this doesn’t mean that open-source software is inherently difficult or non-user-friendly. In fact, open-source software is increasingly being adopted for commercial purposes, demonstrating its growing usability and appeal.