As advancements are made in open source software and development, many businesses are seeing the overwhelming benefit to using a custom program, rather than a proprietary system. Open source software is software whose source code is available for modification or enhancement by anyone. Along with being more cost efficient and secure, these products embrace rapid prototyping, transparency and development. For example, Jeffrey Hammond, a Forrester Research analyst specializing in application development and delivery says, “How can Netflix charge as little as $8 per month for its service? Because everything is built on open-source software. They focused on content , not building an operating system or a testing framework.”

With the right open source programming team, creating a custom program is simple, they just need to rewrite the source codes. Source codes are the part of the software that most computer users don’t ever see. It’s the code computer programmers can manipulate to change how a piece of software works. Programmers who have access to a computer program’s source code can improve that program by adding features to it or fixing parts that don’t always work correctly. Once completed, you have a custom software that works exactly how you want it to.

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Here are the five reasons why your business should consider open source systems over proprietary software.

1. It’s Cost Efficient

Between the cost of the software, licensing, virus protections and ongoing upgrade expenses, the cost of proprietary systems add up quick. Additionally, the software still contains flaws and limits your abilities. With an open source system, you can sideline these costs, all while getting a customized product that will ensure growth and productivity.

2. It Allows Flexibility

After you make the investment in the proprietary software that you feel best suits your business, you’re then locked into a system that is concrete, rigid, constantly needs upgrades and may contain unspecified bugs. Open source programs keep an open code so you can constantly go in, rewrite the code so as your business changes and adapts, so will your software system.

3. It’s More Secure

With proprietary software no one outside of the company knows how many bugs the program contains. Bugs in open source software tend to get fixed immediately. Versus a program like Microsoft, which typically takes weeks if not months to patch vulnerabilities.

4. Problems? No Problem.

With the popularity of open source software, there is plenty of support through forums, and live support chats. For businesses that want extra assurance, there are now paid support options on most open source packages at prices that still fall far below what most proprietary vendors will charge. Providers of commercial support for open source software tend to me more responsive since support is where their revenue is focused.

5. A Product You’re Proud Of

Open source allows you to tweak the software to suit your needs. With its open code, it’s simply a matter of modifying it to add the functionality you want. It puts you in a unique position. This customization allows you to develop the applications quickly, reliably and economically to grow with the expansion of your business.

For your custom software development project, contact us today.