2016 January Re-Using Open Source Software in Your Software Delivery

Open source software is generally available with few restrictions (depending on license) to be reused by other developers. Reuse of software presents both potential cost and schedule savings and corresponding risks to both cost and schedule. The key defining characteristic which distinguishes between risk and reward in this scenario is the quality of the software to be re-used. Well established metrics and best practices in software development can be applied and assessed when examining open-source software for potential re-use.