Open Source Solutions

I'm a big fan of efficiency. Same with the idea of core competencies. Also with saving money. Those three things also happen to be reasons that I'm a big fan of open source solutions when they're available.

What is open source?

Open Source solutions are programs or applications whose code is "open". This means that anyone may alter the code for their own specific uses and distribute it for free. This approach to software differs from the big players in the computer world who prefer all of their products to be proprietary. Good luck making a change to Microsoft Word and offering the new 'improved' version to your friends over the internet.

What are the benefits?

Cost for one. With Open Source solutions, you don't pay for the software yourself. I often recommend open source E-commerce applications because cost-wise, they are great value in comparison with most proprietary applications. Usually a packaged ecommerce shopping cart system will be at least $1000, and if it is custom built for you, it goes up from there very fast. Even with the packaged products, you (or your designer) will still need to re-template it so that it aligns with your organization's image.

Features is another reason. Think about wikipedia for a moment. It has over 7 million articles in over a hundred languages. It's free. How? Because it harnessed the labour of a great many people, and didn't have to pay any of them a penny. Now, of course, there have been instances where articles have been wrong, but as a user you're encouraged to be a critical and active participant yourself, not a silent consumer of information.

Open Source software works on similar principles in that anyone can contribute. Of course, as a user of the software, you don't need to use other peoples contributions. For example, osCommerce has shipping packages for most countries, but if you do business in Saskatoon, you'll likely use just the official Canada Post package. You can pick and choose what works for your situation, and only choose those contributions that are working for other people already.

When wouldn't you use OpenSource?

If you had a very specific need and are willing to pay to see it fulfilled. Then you'll likely want to hire a web programmer to create a tailor made solution and a web designer to ensure it looks good. The same goes if a pre-packaged solution is a perfect fit and the price is right for you. Then go ahead. Admittedly, it isn't too often that I find software that does exactly what I want it too, yet I still have the Adobe and Microsoft family of products on all of my computers because they're close enough and good enough to pay the money for them (no small amount of money either).