What is open-source software? What advantages must be considered when choosing an open-source software? How to implement open-source software in the most effective way?
When it comes to contract management systems, there are some debates between open source and proprietary software solutions. Taking into account different key factors (such as cost, flexibility, support and others), some open-source software suggests more advantages than others. To find what is best suited for your needs, you must consider your organization’s priorities and resources. We’ll give you a rundown of some of the key benefits of open-source software to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your business.
What is open-source software?
Open-source software is the software where the source code of the created programs is open, that is, available for viewing and editing. This allows you to use already created code to create new versions of programs, fix errors and possibly help refine an open program.
The benefits of OSS (open-source software)
When designing a productive contract management system, OSS might provide various competitive impacts:
- Adaptivity
The freedom to customize open-source software is one of its most appealing features.
You don’t have to look for software that’s “near enough” to provide the precise set of capabilities you want. Because you have access to the source code, you may make any modifications that are required for your business.
- Eliminating the need in upgrades
If you see a defect or conceive of a new feature that might be useful, your IT staff can get to work right away to fix it.
- Trust
A good team of programmers creates several open-source apps. Once the code is complete, a larger community of users may share their experiences, suggest changes, and report errors. In general, the more popular an open-source software is, the safer and more dependable it is since a bigger number of people have had an opportunity to study it and propose changes.
- Freedom
You do not need to sign a contract to license open-source software. What is more, you are able to implement the software as long as it helps the company and then you can switch to another system whenever you like. In addition, there is no need to worry about what the author might do because you have control over your copy of the source code.
- Less cost
This benefit is at the bottom of the list since cost experiences differ.
Your TCO may be much cheaper than acquiring a proprietary system if your firm has a solid IT department with staff who are well-equipped to deal with the program (and updates every few years).
If you need to rely extensively on outside sources to properly fund the program, you must account for those expenditures.
All in all, if you anticipate high requirements for flexibility, innovation, and customization in your contract management needs, and if you have a cutting-edge IT staff, open-source software source code can allow you to develop a more accurate and responsive system. On the other hand, If you don’t have constant access to competent programmers, need to get the system up and running quickly, or are concerned about system security, a proprietary system might seem like the best option.