Software Architect's Handbook

Disadvantages of using open source software

Despite its advantages, there are some disadvantages to using open source software that you should consider. Even though the software is free, there are still costs related to using it. Someone has to spend time integrating the solution into the software system, and there is an associated cost for that effort. If the open source software has to be modified in any way to suit the needs of the project, there is a cost related to that work as well.

If there is no one on the team who knows how to use the software, and it is complex enough that some training is required, learning how to use a piece of open source software may also take time.

Even for a popular open source project with an active community, ...