Most of the companies face an issue when buying some new software. They will be in the confusion that whether to go for open source or closed source software. This choice is not obvious since software comes with its particularities. So, based on the situation both open and close software may have their advantages and disadvantages. Let us understand both open source and closed source software and their differences.
OSS or Open-source software
OSS means, software that is utilizing the code freely available on the internet. Here code can be modified, copied, and even deleted by users and even by any organization. The open-source software is open to the public and all the results updated will be made available to the public. An open-source experience of continuous updates expands and improves since many people will be working on it.
CSS or Closed source software
Closed source software is completely opposite to the meaning of OSS. Here the software utilizes closely guarded proprietary code. Here the code will be accessible only to the original authors. They can alter have the right to access, and copy the software. Closed source software cannot be purchased completely but only we can use it.
It is very important to understand the peculiarities of both closed source and open software to understand them completely. Through five basic aspects like security, pricing, source availability, and support along with usability you can understand them better.
Price Policy
When we consider open source, it is available for free of cost. Of course, there will be costs for additional services, assistance, and even for added functionality. But basic software will be available for free. So, you have to pay for the services in case of open-source software.
If we consider closed source software, it is paid software. The cost of the software may vary based on the functionalities and even the complexity of the software. Sometimes the price can be high but there is a guarantee that for the money paid, you will get better software. Closed software comes with complete support, innovation, and functionality. In most of the cases, closed software also offers a free trial. Through this, the owner of the closed software tries to convince the buyer about the quality of the software.
Security
When we think about the security of software it is definitely like two sides of the coin. This is true especially in the case of open-source software. The code of the open-source software can be viewed and it can be modified. Of course, this code can be shared. So, open software code can be fixed, upgraded, and tested by anyone. But, here the bugs get fixed quickly. After that the code undergoes thorough check soon after every change. But, unfortunately, the code is available open even for the hackers.
But, in the case of closed source software, code can be accessed and fixed only by the author or vendor. In case if something goes wrong with closed source software you need to place a request. After that, you have to wait for their response and answer. So, with closed source software it always takes a long time to fix something compared to OSC. Hence when we consider security, both closed source and open source software have their own cons and pros. This is the reason companies and firms face difficulties in choosing them.
Quality of Support
When it comes to support, compared to the open-source software, of course, CSS brings better support. Closed source software always predominates in case of support. Support will always be available upfront since you have paid the money when buying the CSS. When you buy CSS there will be an option for contract support. You will get a response usually within a day in most of the cases. More than that, the response in the case of closed source software is well documented and organized.
In the case of open-source software, there is no such option available. You can just rely on forums and useful articles for support. You can even hire an expert for solving issues. So, you cannot expect a high level of response in the case of OSS.
Source Code Availability
There is no restriction applied to the availability of code in the case of open-source software. Here individuals can update and develop the functionalities they need and get benefited from their innovations. But, closed source is completely restricted its code. Here the source code cannot be viewed and definitely cannot be changed. These restrictions contribute to the reliability and security of the code.
Usability
In the case of open-source software, usability is completely painful. User guides can be understood only by developers but not by a layman. Usability is one of the merits in the case of closed source software. Documentation is completely well-written and there will be detailed instructions about the software.
Conclusion
As said earlier, there will be pros and cons in both types of software. In some cases, open-source software is beneficial and in other cases, closed software brings more advantages.
