The world is ready for open-source software. A new study by IDC says OSS will grow by 22 percent to reach $8 billion by 2013.

If you are not considering open source software as you weigh your options for software solutions, that's a mistake. It's clear that plenty of customers are going the direction of open source. 

"The open source software market has seen a strong boost from the current economic crisis," Michael Fauscette, group vice president of Software Business Solutions, told eChannelLine.com. "OSS is increasingly a part of the enterprise software strategy of leading businesses and is seeing mainstream adoption at a strong pace. As the overall software industry continues to consolidate, it will be key for OSS vendors to reach scale if they plan to continue as a standalone business," he added.

The survey found that open-source software has had a much higher level of acceptance over the past 12 months than previously expected, and the economic downturn has accelerated its sales.

For more on the growing popularity of OSS:
- check out this eChannelLine.com article

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