The software is developed by both lone enthusiasts and employees of commercial firms. They create programs for personal computers, mobile phones, and other devices containing microprocessors.
Instructions
Step 1
The classic software development model looks like this. The program is created by employees of one company, while its source codes do not go outside the organization. The compilation result is sold to users. It is not uncommon for an application to save files in formats that are not supported by competing software products. If the development of the application stops, users have to worry about re-saving the results of their work into files of other formats.
Step 2
Even proprietary software companies often make some of their products free. At the same time, they can profit from displaying advertisements, implementing other paid programs, as well as introducing additional paid services. For example, in an application for IP-telephony, calls from computer to computer can be free, but you have to pay for a call from computer to phone. Browser developers can be sponsored by PPC advertising when using search engines.
Step 3
Lone programmers usually create small applications and utilities. They can be either closed or open source, paid or free (in any combination). Small in size, such programs and utilities can sometimes compete with large packages designed for the same purpose.
Step 4
One enthusiast cannot write a large program, but he can create a project on Sourceforge, Google Code, Microsoft CodePlex or similar. After that, an unlimited number of amateur programmers will be able to work on the code together. Most of them are engaged in programming as a hobby in their free time from their main work.
Step 5
Once a good quality open source project is found, the management of a commercial firm can support it. After that, the program will still remain open, but not only enthusiasts, but also professional programmers working in the company will make changes to it. The firm, in turn, can start selling hardware devices running this program, or start training users to work with it for a fee.
