Digital is a compulsory passage for all businesses. The choice of software that will be used to build your website will be an essential factor in your success. Indeed, you need a site that converts your prospects and where you can build the identity of your brand. But, how to build this site? If you are responsible for finding the optimal content management system (CMS) for your business you may be confused by all the available options. You've probably seen terms like “open source” and “closed source”. So what do they mean? Let's go beyond the technical jargon and compare the open source and closed source content management platforms to determine what are the differences and which is most suitable for your needs.
What is a CMS exactly?
CMS is the abbreviation of Content Management System (content management system in French). It is a platform that allows users to publish, edit and modify the content of a website. What makes these platforms so attractive is that owners can update and keep the contents of their websites without needing to know how to code using languages ​​like CSS or HTML. This gives the administrator a greater control on his website and the freedom to update or modify the content when he wishes – without having to count on a developer. It's quite simple, right?
The decision you will have to take is whether an open-source or closed-source CMS to your business. Everyone wants a website that is beautiful and easy to manage, but it is just as important to choose a CMS that offers appropriate features and flexibility.
What is an open source CMS?
Open source CMS are free to use up to date by a community of developers. Often, this community of developers is distributed in several countries and continents. To allow all these developers to contribute to the CMS as a project, the source code of open source CMS is therefore made public.
This means that the general public can modify and optimize open source CMS freely. There is a strange duality in open source software. On the one hand, the movement of freedom that advances it recalls the first days of the Internet. On the other hand, the very system that makes the software “free” so attractive is the source of its vulnerabilities. Since everyone has access to the source code, malicious actors can easily handle the code to attack certain websites and broadcast malware.
Of course, open source CMS are the most popular on the market. As they are free, everyone can easily use it and launch a website. But that does not necessarily make it the best option for companies, governments or public figures, because they often have shortcomings in terms of security.
Here are some examples of the most famous open-source platforms:
What is a Closed-Source CMS?
A CMS Closed-Source, also called CMS owner, is software which is the legal property of a company, a group or an individual. The holder of CMS rights generally does not disclose source code to the public, and often, only those who bought a license key can use it. Adobe Experience Manager, Kentico and SiteCore are examples of proprietary content management systems. So -called “free” software can also be included in the category of owner software. The product or service can be used for free, but the source code remains closed.
What are the main differences between open-source and closed software
In general, the main factors of differentiation between open and closed-source systems are summed up with a few elements:
- The cost
- The service
- Innovation
- Ease of use
- Security
There are advantages and disadvantages for each of them and the direction you take will largely depend on your priorities for each of these 5 factors.
[Différence #1] The cost
One of the main advantages of open-source software is their cost.
If you have, internally, the capacity and technical expertise necessary to ensure the maintenance of the software, as well as the resources to implement it, then the open-source software can be the most profitable for your company. However, you must take into account the long -term costs of the implementation, assistance and investment in infrastructure as your business evolves, that technology changes and your needs increase.
For a closed source CMS, depending on the complexity of the system, the cost can vary between a few thousand and a few hundred thousand euros, which includes the price of the software, integration and services, as well as annual license/support costs. If the basic cost can be higher, you benefit in return from a secure product accompanied by powerful functionality, high scalability, permanent support and a lower need in technical skills.
[Différence #2] The service
Open-source software is based on an online user community committed to provide assistance via forums and blogs. Often you can also contact the support via assistance tickets. Generally, the level of support and overall service is very satisfactory.
Service and support are probably the greatest advantages of the use of proprietary software. Permanent assistance is a key sales argument for users with little technical skills and one of the main reasons why some people choose Closed-Source software.
[Différence #3] Personalization
This is, there, one of the great advantages of open-source software: they offer great flexibility and the freedom to modify it without restriction. Most of the time, you do not need very developed knowledge in this area because their use is facilitated.
Closed-sources software is available for specific uses. Unlike open source, owner software attracts larger quantities of R&D in order to regularly offer new products and updates.
[Différence #4] Ease of use
Ease of use is often highlighted in open-source software. Indeed, as we specify in the point just before, personalizing your site endlessly is possible without having too much knowledge in development. However, calling on professionals like the Churchill web agency is advisable for complex manipulations.
For Closed-Source software, ease of use is a significant sale argument due to continuous tests carried out by experts for a more targeted audience. Manuals of use and many tutorials are also provided for rapid training, while assistance services make it possible to optimize the use of software.
[Différence #5] Security
The security of open-source software is often a concern for large companies because they are not always developed in a controlled environment. One way to reduce this risk is to call on a team of professional knowing the safety rules to respect by heart.
Closed-source software is generally considered safer because it is developed in an environment controlled by a team with a common management. This team is the only one who can consult or modify the source code, it is subject to a rigorous audit and the risk of attacks is reduced (even if the risk 0 does not exist).
Finally, be aware that the main advantages and disadvantages of open source software compared to Closed-Source software largely depend on your technical expertise and the available resources to keep the software up to date.
