Open Source
What is Open Source?
Open source solutions include a vast array of technologies and
software programs that are offered to the public without a
licensing fee-free to use and free to distribute with an agreement
that requires adopters to commit to open source for all future
software.
There can be some serious cost savings when adopting an open
source platform and it's good to keep an open mind. Is it right for
you? Here's our take:
In cases where a website requires fairly simple CMS components,
and support and deep customization or integration are not required,
an open source solution makes a lot of sense. When 24/7 support or
deep customization is required, licensed products usually make more
sense.
Questions to Ask About Open Source Solutions
When investigating open source solutions, it's best to start
with some Q&As:
- Is the underlying technology reputable and stable?
- Do my staff and support partners understand the platform?
- Is there a substantial user community behind the product or is
it likely to be abandoned in favor of a more popular solution?
- Does saving the cost of the license actually reduce the cost of
my project and the lifecycle of the application? Or will moving to
an open source solution require more development or professional
services to implement and support?
- How extensive is the documentation and if we need to extend or
customize the software, are the resources available to understand
how to do it?
- Does our corporate culture fit the culture that surrounds the
open source product? Open source solutions are community- and
culture-driven and without a vibrant, active community, they are
likely to go away.