Proprietary software vs. open source software: which is the better choice?
Between proprietary management software and open source management software, it can be difficult to know which type of solution to choose for managing your business.
This page presents these two types of software as well as their advantages and disadvantages to help you choose your management solution.
Definitions of terms
Open source software is software whose source code is made public: anyone can study it, modify it and redistribute it. In this way, users of open source software can themselves adapt existing features of the software or add new features.
Odoo Community is an example of open source business management software.
In contrast, proprietary software is software that belongs exclusively to the person or company that developed it. This means that the source code of the software is generally kept secret and can only be modified and distributed by the owner or publisher of the software. Thus, only the latter can adjust the existing features of the software or add new ones.
MCA Kale is an example of proprietary business management software.
In summary, with open source software, a company will be free to modify the functionality to suit its needs, whereas with proprietary management software, the publisher will be responsible for any modifications.
Note that a distinction can be made between two models of open source software: community open source software and commercial open source software.
Community-based open source software is the project of a community of contributors, it is the result of collaboration between several individuals sharing common interests. This type of software is usually free.
Commercial open source software is the product of a legal entity and is used by that entity for commercial purposes. The company that owns the open source software provides a free version of the software and makes its source code available to everyone, but also monetises the software by offering more feature-rich paid versions or by selling services related to the software (installation, hosting, technical support, training, etc.).
Odoo Community mentioned above is one such model: Odoo provides a free version of its management software, namely Odoo Community, but also offers Odoo Enterprise, a paid version that includes more features. Odoo has also introduced a module-based selection system: a company can get a module for free, but additional modules will be charged for.
Comparison between proprietary and open source software
Support/Assistance
Open Source
Since open source software vendors do not offer extensive support for their software, you must turn to the online community for any form of support. Most software is supported by a community of developers, programmers and users, so you get free support through forums or blogs.
Unfortunately, this is usually limited: the quality and availability of responses to problems varies and it can be difficult to find the solution to a specific problem. In an emergency, you will not receive immediate help.
If the community does not provide the required support, then external services must be used to solve the problems, which can involve significant costs.
Note that some open source software vendors, such as Odoo, also offer paid support services.
Proprietary
Proprietary software vendors offer comprehensive support to users in the form of user manuals, a hotline, consultations with technicians or representatives, or training.
Response times are shorter than with forum support, so problems are solved more quickly.
As proprietary software is more targeted than open source software, its vendors are fully aware of how it works and are able to provide effective assistance when faced with difficulties.
Flexibility
Open Source
Open source software offers more flexibility than proprietary software. As mentioned above, since the software code is accessible, you can develop the product yourself by modifying it or adding new features. This allows you to upgrade the software to suit your needs.
In addition, non-programmers benefit from the collaborative aspect of this form of software: for example, it is possible to implement features developed by other contributors.
Proprietary
The user of proprietary software is dependent on the software vendor and has no control over product availability, updates and improvements. In addition, he must comply with the prices and deadlines set by the supplier.
As you do not have access to the code of proprietary software, you can hardly suggest changes or technical improvements to the software. Moreover, if a bug occurs, you cannot afford to fix the problem yourself.
Since proprietary software is designed for a specific purpose and is usually highly customised, the functionality it offers is limited to the business area it covers. This means that it can be difficult to adapt proprietary software to your needs if it is not designed from the ground up for your industry.
However, some proprietary software can be adjusted by the supplier with modifications or added functionality to provide a customised solution for the company.
This is the case with MCA Kale: the management software is available in different business solutions but its modular nature allows it to be adapted to any sector of activity. The functionalities are customised in collaboration with the company for a tailor-made solution.
Function coverage
Open Source
Open source management software is often limited, which means that many features need to be added or customised before the product can meet the needs of the business. This requires a competent IT department or the involvement of external experts.
Or you could opt for a paid version of the open source software, if available, as it covers a wider range of features, as exemplified by Odoo Community and Odoo Enterprise.
Proprietary
Proprietary software vendors ensure that they offer comprehensive software that covers sufficient functionality. Since this type of software is designed for a specific purpose, it is built in such a way as to directly include the standard functionalities for the needs of the domain it concerns.
Thus a construction management software like MCA Stone will include all the basic functionality that a construction company needs to manage its operations.
Usage
Open Source
Open source software is designed to meet the needs of developers, which means that the ease of use of the software is usually not taken into consideration. As a result, using the software can be complicated, especially for people with little computer knowledge.
In addition, extensive customisation of the software may mean that it does not have (only) features that are familiar to everyone. Extensive training sessions may be required to ensure that employees are fully conversant with the software.
Proprietary
Proprietary software is mainly aimed at end-users with little technical knowledge, who will therefore not seek to inspect the source code of the software.
Proprietary software providers spend more time developing the user experience and interface so that users can easily master the software.
Maintenance
Open Source
Open source software vendors do not usually provide services for integration, updates and maintenance of their software. It is therefore up to the users to manage these operations, which requires either a sufficiently strong and competent IT department to take on this work, or the intervention of external experts.
Note that some open source software vendors may offer additional paid services for hosting or installation of their software, as is the case with Odoo.
Proprietary
The vendor of the proprietary software takes care of the implementation, hosting, maintenance and updates of the software. It also ensures the security of the software.
Security
Open Source
Because a whole community is working on open source software, bugs can be spotted and fixed more quickly. Contributors and users can even detect bugs that the software vendors were not aware of.
However, since anyone can access the software code, it is easy for hackers to access it to exploit potential weaknesses.
Furthermore, open source software does not guarantee security support. It is therefore the responsibility of users to manage cybersecurity risks, whether it is monitoring security issues, detecting vulnerabilities or correcting implemented features.
Proprietary
Because the software code is kept secret, proprietary software is less at risk from hackers. Software vendors also ensure the security of the software.
Costs/IT effort
Open Source
While open source software is considered cheaper, it requires more computing effort than proprietary software. Indeed, vendors usually provide a free version of their software, but this tends to be very limited and does not come with installation, support or maintenance services. It is therefore up to the internal IT department to manage the installation, customisation, operation and maintenance of the software. Ongoing costs for maintenance, training and support must then be taken into account.
As mentioned above, some open source software vendors offer additional features or a more complete version of their software at a certain price as well as installation or support services for a fee. This option significantly reduces the cost difference between open source and proprietary software.
Proprietary
Although the cost of proprietary software may be higher, it has an advanced feature set built in from the start and is installed and maintained by the vendor. This means that your IT teams do not have to deal with these tasks and can concentrate on other priority operations. In addition, you benefit from training and ongoing support.
The solution for my business?
There are therefore different advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing between open source and proprietary management software. Ultimately, your company’s needs, priorities and resources will determine the type of solution best suited to your business.
In general, open source software is more flexible, but requires more effort to use and maintain than proprietary software.
If you have an IT department with the knowledge to develop and maintain the software, as well as the resources to train staff and implement the software, open source may be an ideal option for you.
However, if you do not have strong technical capabilities or would prefer to have a full-featured solution, proprietary is the best option.
To summarize
The choice between open source and proprietary management software depends essentially on your company’s needs and resources.
Open source software offers great flexibility, allowing users to customize the software to meet their specific needs.
However, this can require significant IT effort and technical expertise to manage, customize and maintain the software.
On the other hand, proprietary software is simpler to use, offering a turnkey solution with full support.
This may be the best option if your company doesn’t have extensive technical resources and prefers an out-of-the-box solution.
Ultimately, the choice should be based on a thorough assessment of your needs, priorities and internal IT management capabilities.
Whatever your decision, it’s essential to select a management solution that effectively supports your activities and your business.
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