Understanding Open Source vs. Proprietary CMS Solutions
While creating a new website, one of the biggest challenges is understanding which Content Management software you can use.
There are, in general, 3 paths to consider: a custom CMS, a proprietary CMS, or an open-source CMS.
It is challenging to determine the right course of action nowadays, given the rapid expansion of the web development industry. This arises from many firms and improved functionality in open-source platforms.
We have brought you a brief guide on understanding open source Vs. proprietary CMS solutions for your business.
What is a Content Management System?
A CMS tool is an application that lets you manage website content without requiring you to use code or create one logically. It helps non-technical individuals to administer a website and add materials like text, pictures, videos, and more.
Proprietary CMS Solutions
Proprietary CMS solutions are created and built by a software developer or a tech company that owns the source code and has the legal rights to it. Everyone else is allowed to buy, rent, or use it for free with a license to create websites using the platform, but the code remains the property of the developer and is not available to the public.
Main features of proprietary systems:
- Proprietary systems are generally built and maintained by a single company.
- Typically, they do not allow access to the source code, although the best solution is to provide an open framework (or API) allowing them to be extended by others.
- Typically hosted by the company that created them, although some can be hosted elsewhere.
- Require a license fee of some sort, although it’s often built into the hosting charges.
Open source solution:
This application enables one to come up with a website very easily, even if they have no coding knowledge. In short, content management software (CMS) facilitates anyone in supervising websites and including multimedia files. You can make a site using this tool without any problems.
Main features of open-source systems:
- Usually, open source systems are constructed and supported by individuals globally with some leader or controller but not specific owners.
- Any person who spares some time and uses a little knowledge can add or change the code so that it becomes useful in different ways.
- It is possible for one to host an open-source website using any kind of ISP or hosting company, whether on their servers or yours.
- The open source systems are generally available for free or, at best, cheap enough that anyone could afford it by themselves.
In its proper place, open-source development fosters creativity and collaboration, but it is precisely for this reason the content management systems built with open-source development become vulnerable. Security patches and software updates must be applied with diligence and regularity to stay ahead of any creative hacker who would take advantage of a vulnerability. This is true whether the product is open source or proprietary. When a vulnerability is discovered with proprietary systems, the change is made in the code, and the update is released with an explanation of what was fixed. With open-source systems, however, the changed code is released with the fix or workaround.
Understand which is the right CMS software for you
In conclusion, choosing a CMS depends on the specific requirements of the company, i.e., the budget constraints and desired functionalities. Open source offers affordability and flexibility but requires careful consideration of security and development complexities. Proprietary CMS platforms provide consistency, user experience, and support, but assessing their compatibility with your website’s objectives and long-term goals is essential.
With Zoftware, your company situated in the Middle East or MENA regions can identify the best CMS software for your business.
Explore Zoftware today!
