Areas Open Source Software Falls Short
Open source software is often a good option because it can provide companies with a way to take a piece of software that a company has already developed and make adjustments to fit their needs. Sounds great; in most cases, it is functional, customizable, and adjustable. Passionate and talented developers that want to share their product with the world build it.
However, there are many instances when open source becomes a liability and simply a frustration. Custom software solutions are a better option when the users want a solution with better maintenance and support. Let’s see why and when OSS is not the best way.
Support
The custom software provides more advanced support than the usual open source software, which uses uncertified and incompetent forums that could pose enough threat to the system. Sometimes, you may need a fast and reliable answer, and you may not get the correct answer for days in these forums or groups. In other words, due to the free software, there is a lack of support and a big reason why OSS is not always the best option.
The upgrades can mess up the open-source software.
As Newton said, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. When open source software changes or gets the company upgrades many of the times, they redevelop upon the improvement. Due to this, the company may change endpoints (the area your system calls). This leads to updates crashing your system. Your applications can’t function, and due to the point above, lack of support may cause a long time to get an answer.
In many cases, custom software is better.
OSS, in many cases, is a great option. But custom software is much better in some cases. Let’s see why custom software is the better option.
- The custom software requires little or no additional cost after the initial payment
- It provides easy access to labor to manage software infrastructures occasionally.
- The support is much better and more responsive
- The software comes with a mapped-out set of predictable professional solutions, which the software-producing company takes complete control of
- There are lots of shortcut solutions to complexities encountered with the software
- Better maintenance than the open-source software
- No unexpected updates that will cause crashes or slow down the apps
A dedicated team that creates and maintains the software
The companies that build custom software have a team of developers who are always committed to resolving any issues with the software. Custom software organizations ensure their applications stand the test of time because that is their job. Unlike open source, the software is adjusted to your needs with various customized solutions.
Security problems
Open-source software can raise concerns when security is crucial for an organization. OSS doesn’t often use security mechanisms and is more open to hacking, while the custom software, if built correctly, guarantees security. Unlike the open-sourcing software that takes time before you access its module and solve the security problems, if any, the companies that produce custom software know how best to handle it in a short period.
OSS is still a viable resource that is used in many custom solutions. The team producing the product must understand the OSS being implemented along with the custom software code. It would be a lie to say that OSS isn’t used in custom development. However, knowing when to use it is just as important as knowing how to build custom solutions.
Grata Software has a team of experienced professionals who know how to implement OSS and any other custom software properly. Contact us today, and let us handle all your software needs.