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Open Source vs. Closed Source: What’s the Difference?

When you’re purchasing CRM Software (or any software), you may not realize it but a question you should ask is whether or not you will have access to the source Code. Is that software open source, closed source, or somewhere in between? In this article, we’ll outline the differences, and where 1CRM falls on the spectrum!

Closed source software is software that does not provide the source code to its users. It’s held secure and compiled or encrypted, and users can’t copy, modify, or delete parts of the code, without getting into trouble ranging from voided licenses or warranties, to legal repercussions.
Open source software is software that does the complete opposite. It allows users to copy, modify, or delete parts of the code under their own discretion. The user is able to use functions of the open source on their own program with no consequence.

Did you know? The term “open source” was originally intended to be trademarkable; however, the term was deemed too descriptive, so no trademark exists.

Does 1CRM Provide the Source Code?

  • 1CRM provides users with the source code to read and edit. This is huge for those who want to make custom changes to the code. It’s in your hands whether you would like us to do the work for you, one of our partners, your staff, or the computer-whiz down the street. Many CRM competitors do not provide the source code, and therefore can charge you amounts like USD$275/hour for custom work, and you have no option but to accept if you need the work done.
  • If installed on your own server on-premise, or on our Cloud in a dedicated virtual machine, you can edit the software and run changed versions.
  • You can assess the code for security vulnerabilities if desired.
  • If users feel they are experiencing a bug, or they imagine a system improvement, they can take things into their own hands, review the code and even suggest a fix or enhancement.
  • Software where the code is available for viewing, but cannot be modified and redistributed can be referred to as having open source code, source-available, or as shared source. 1CRM is closer to the pure Open Source Initiative definition of open source software than this, as users do also have the right to modify the software or have someone do it for them. They of course do not have the right to redistribute it, as it is commercially licensed.

Not only is the 1CRM source code available, but we also have a REST API, enabling you to create 1CRM integrations and extensions for free or sale! Get the Developer Guide to learn more!

Best of Both Worlds...

Ultimate Flexibility

1CRM lets you make system changes with our Studio customization tool, or via source code modifications. By providing the source code, 1CRM grants users complete flexibility to get creative and modify the system in any way to meet their needs. Closed source software can only be adapted to your specific needs using the limited customization features the vendor builds into the software’s interface.

Support & Updates

Most often, you’ll only have the source code available for a system if it’s free and Open Source. That means you may be relying on community-based support to get fixes and updates. At 1CRM, our source code is open to our clients, yet it is proprietary software. That’s the good part! It means we personally provide commercial support to our users, and work tirelessly to always be updating & improving the system.

Become a 1CRM Partner!

Want to sell 1CRM software? Fantastic! Connect with us and become a partner today! Unlike free Open Source software, 1CRM is proprietary, and requires licenses for use – that you can sell! It cannot be modified and then sold independently.

1CRM Partner Program

The post Open Source vs. Closed Source: What’s the Difference? appeared first on 1CRM: All-in-One CRM Software.



This post first appeared on 1CRM Blog - Customer Relationship & Business Manag, please read the originial post: here

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