How do you decide between open source vs. proprietary technology?

From ecommerce to content management, the open source vs. proprietary debate arises frequently when evaluating web technologies.

In this post, we’ll cover the differences and benefits of using open source or proprietary technology and highlight a shortcut to quickly and easily build ecommerce websites on an open source platform.

Open Source vs. Proprietary: Differences

Open source refers to technology and software that is available for anyone to use or edit. Proprietary is copyrighted technology that must be used with a license.

What is the Difference Between Open Source and Proprietary Software?

Open source software is publicly available without a licensing fee or restrictions on use or modification. The companies that own and publish proprietary software charge licensing fees and restrict the use and modification of their technology.

Differences Between Open Source vs. Proprietary

Open Source vs. Proprietary	Open Source	Proprietary
Open Source vs. Proprietary Cost	Open source software is free to use and modify. For web technologies, you still need to pay for web hosting or set up your own server.	Proprietary software requires companies to purchase a license. While companies sell some proprietary software as a one-time purchase, most businesses use a subscription model known as Software as a Service (SaaS).
Open Source vs. Proprietary Updates and Maintenance	Companies can publish open source software, but open source is often community-maintained. Either way, you can expect periodic updates and patches.	Proprietary software companies release regular updates with new features and bug fixes.
Open Source vs. Proprietary Flexibility	With open source software, you’re free to use or modify the code as needed.	Proprietary software comes with restrictions. You most likely won’t have access to modify the code. Companies also place limits on the software, such as the number of users or transactions.
Open Source vs. Proprietary Support	When you run into issues with an open source system, you’re stuck searching community forums and documentation for answers. You also can hire a developer with experience with the platform.	Proprietary software companies normally have support teams to help customers troubleshoot issues.

Open Source vs. Proprietary Examples

You can find open source software in various categories. Below are some of the most common open source and proprietary software examples in the web and mobile development space.

Types of Open Source vs. Proprietary Examples	Open Source	Proprietary
Content Management System or Website Builder	WordPress, ExpressionEngine, Drupal	Wix, Squarespace, Weebly
Ecommerce Platform	WooCommerce, Magento Open Source	BigCommerce, Shopify, Magento Commerce
Mobile Operating System	Android	iOS

Open Source vs. Proprietary: Which Should You Choose?

Proprietary and open source technologies both have advantages. Deciding between the two often comes down to your level of technical expertise and need for customization.

Benefits of open source technologies include:

• Control. With an open source system, you have total control. You can change the code if needed. You also own the system and can control who has access to it and any data it includes.
• Flexibility. There are no limits on open source software. You can customize it to your heart’s content. Also, you won’t be bound by licensing or usage limits. For example, BigCommerce places annual sales limits on its plans. If you exceed a certain threshold in annual sales, you have to upgrade to the next plan level.
• Costs. Open source software is free. You’re only paying for any technical infrastructure like hosting and the staff or contractor resources needed to build out the system.

Benefits of proprietary technology include:

• Ease of Use. Proprietary systems tend to be more turnkey. If you want to open an online store, many people find it’s easier than building a WooCommerce store from scratch.
• Dedicated Support. Proprietary software offers dedicated support for customers, so you aren’t at the mercy of community discussion boards and YouTube videos.
• All-in-One Subscription. Many SaaS platforms include hosting. You might have to purchase your domain registration, but everything else is included.

Get the Benefits of Both Open Source and Proprietary

If you want to build an ecommerce site and enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to open source and proprietary software, consider using StoreBuilder by Hostdedi. StoreBuilder’s innovative platform runs on WooCommerce, the most popular open source ecommerce platform. But, unlike setting up a store from scratch, StoreBuilder makes building your online store even easier than using the most popular proprietary systems.

Just answer some questions about your store, and StoreBuilder’s AI engines do the rest. StoreBuilder also includes all of the premium plugins you need to make a stellar WooCommerce store. Plus, you’ll have access to our team of WordPress and WooCommerce experts.

Hostdedi Stands By the Open Source Community

At Hostdedi, we believe in the power of open source technology and support the businesses and developers utilizing platforms like WordPress and WooCommerce.

Unlike systems like Shopify or BigCommerce, the site you build with StoreBuilder is 100% portable. Meaning you can keep using your store with WooCommerce without paying for StoreBuilder.

Continuing your StoreBuilder subscription gives you access to automatic updates and our state-of-the-art sales performance monitor. But if you’re a freelancer looking for a faster way to build websites for clients, StoreBuilder is an excellent choice for quickly launching WooCommerce sites.

Whether you’re a freelancer, agency, or business owner, Hostdedi offers the best hosting for any open source solution.

Get started with StoreBuilder today.