The basic difference is the
accessibility of source code. In a very layman term, open source allows easy
access of source code to general public that can be edited and re-released in a
customized format. An end-user in open source is allowed to play around with
the software. Under closed source or proprietary programs model, the compiled
code is not available for tinkering to the general users.
A summary of the core difference
between the two models are as below
1.
Cost: For the
discerning mind, the chief differentiator is the price point at which both
softwares are sold. Open source software is always cheaper than the licensed
(or closed source) versions
2. Customization:
Open source model allows and facilitates altering the source code to match
individual requirement. Closed source on the other hand release the final
application without releasing the code thereby restricting the access and
editing of the program.
3. Community
support: Open source has a very wide community support as compared to
proprietary software tech support where the original software developers
undertake to maintain and regularly update the software
4. Companies:
While most of the developers are moving to open source platform, the biggest
software producer Microsoft is still a big proponent of licensed software
citing reasons such as trust, quality and teamwork. Although Microsoft is
enabling and entering a paradigm shift through its statement in August 2010
where they admitted their loss in standing by their ‘anti-open source’ stance
5. Cultures: Most
companies around the world that form a major chunk of software buyers are led
to believe that licensed softwares are better than their open source
counterpoints, which might not always be true. Also, personnel from companies
might have better skillsets in tweaking the software to better serve the need
for which the software was purchased
6. Collaboration:
Closed source tech support is more often than not a complicated maze as
compared to open source software tech support. Issue identification and error
handling process is an elaborate procedure, which might not always be feasible
to all organizations who might find a faster and better resolution of their
issues on the huge online support community
When faced with the dilemma of
choosing the appropriate model for an organization, a general rule of thumb
would be that new start-ups can very well go ahead with open source software.
As and when the organization grows in business, in complexity, in headcount,
and in credibility, opting for proprietary software makes sense.
Resource: SEO Content Writing Services
Resource: SEO Content Writing Services
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