Idealware: Open Source vs. Vendor-Provided Software: Comparing Them Side by Side

Open source software applications are becoming an increasingly viable alternative to vendor provided commercial software. Jeff Walpole explores the differences between these types of software, and the pros and cons of each alternative.

With the rise in popularity of open source software in the nonprofit sector, the choice between ‘community supported’ software vs. commercially-developed, vendor-hosted solutions is an increasingly common dilemma. Assessing the options and deciding the best path to follow can seem a bit like comparing applies with oranges.

Jeff Walpole at Idealware has posted a thorough and helpful look at the many factors for weighing the choice between open source and vendor-provided software solutions. This article focuses primarily on the technology management aspects such as Total-Cost-of-Ownership (i.e. “free” software is not really free); hardware and maintenance vs. monthly leasing fees; and the role of an active user/support community in the extended lifespan of software products.

> Read the article here

Posted by npmatrix on November 18th, 2008 at 05:41pm