Pros and Cons of Open Source Software vs Proprietary Software
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Posted On :
Dec-23-2011
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Article Word Count :
915
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Many people do not know the difference between Open Source Software and Proprietary Software. This article explains the difference and covers the pros and cons of Open Source Software vs Proprietary Software.
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A common question we get asked by potential clients is about the pros and cons with using Open Source Content Management Systems vs Proprietary Software, and contrary to what most people believe, the open source label does not imply no cost. Developers can and do charge for open source software. Open source actually refers to the availability of the source code for software. There are several varieties of open source software and as user looking for a website, it is important that when you are comparing website platforms, that you compare apples with apples. Not only do you need to look at the software platform, it is essential you do your research about the company that is developing your website.
Proprietary software is software that is owned by an individual or a company, in most cases the website development company you are developing your website with. In this case the source code is always kept secret, as their technology is their competitive edge against others within the same industry. Bloomtools has developed its own proprietary Content Management System. What this means, is as client you own the images, design, content and branding however you do not own the software that the site is developed from. If you think, when you create a document using Microsoft Word, you own your document, but you don't own or have the rights to sell Microsoft Word. This is the same with proprietary software you pay to use the software however you don't own it, but like any document you create, it belongs to you.
Open source software on the other hand is developed by lots of developers where the developers produce the code for free. This does not mean that it is free for you however as Website developers will charge to integrate your website design with one of these programs. We often get feedback from companies that have used service like these that there are hidden costs and the site may cost you more than what you initially budgeted. It is important that you set expectations of what the website will achieve and what are all the costs associated with the development. If you look at the Bloomtools solution, you will not only receive a website that you can manage, but all the costs are listed upfront and as your business grows you can add additional website tools to match your growing businesses needs.
There are a huge amount of open source options out there, one factor that most business do not understand about these tools is that they commonly get hacked. The reasons for this is that hackers have access to the original source, and this makes it easier for them to take advantage of anything they may find in the code. Besides the basic issue that your are at a greater risk, it is also important to understand that your developer is not responsible for any security holes that this software may have - after all the software was not created by them. This reduce level of responsibility actually has another caveat in that you will have to pay your developer to fix your site when it is hacked. Proprietary software in the case of Bloomtools is our full responsibility, and our team of dedicated developers is constantly addressing security risks as they happen, and you automatically get these updates for free.
Although Open Source Solutions may initially be cheaper, one must weigh up the long term effects of choosing this as a solution. Technology is changing at such a rapid rate, that most business owners are finding that they are having to update their website every 2-3 years. In the case of open source solutions, this typically means either paying someone to upgrade your version of the product (if it is even still in development) or starting from scratch. Bloomtools clients on the other hand receive updates and upgrades at no extra cost. Bloomtools re-invests heavily into their website tools, to ensure their clients are at the forefront of website technology. This isn't the case with all proprietary software, but is a big focus of the Bloomtools solution. So although it may seem cheaper now, it is important to way up the long term costs.
Due to the nature of Open Source, you will find that each developer favours their 'flavour' and as a result, it can prove challenging to find someone that is willing to work on your website on an ongoing basis. In most cases, you will find that they will only be prepared to work on your website if you move to their solution. Proprietary solutions also have this challenge, in that it can be a challenge to move developers if you decide that you cannot work with them anymore. Bloomtools makes this easy, by assigning the Intellectual property of the designs to you to make any transitions easy.
We hear from a lot of our clients that have used open source that you have to be computer savvy to use open source software. Bloomtools prides itself on its easy-to-use interface that even if your are novice computer user, you will be able to update your website quickly and easily.
It is essential you do your research on what you want your website to achieve, and what is the best method to achieve these results, and hopefully this article has given you a few insights into the benefits and pitfalls you may find with either solution.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Pros and Cons of Open Source Software vs Proprietary Software_123649.aspx
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Author Resource :
This article was provided to you by Bloomtools, Australasia's leading website developer. With Offices in Melbourne, Newcastle, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Wellington New Zealand. Online business solutions provider – SEO, Websites (with simple to use Content Management System), Email (Database) Marketing and CRM.
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Keywords :
Email Marketing, Website Design, Web Design Company.,
Category :
Internet Business
:
SEO
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