Supercharging Business Systems With Open Source Ingenuity
Open-source technology has come out of the shadows of its proprietary cousin and started to make a big impact in the commercial world. Investment levels in open-source technology have skyrocketed according to TechCrunch, with some of the biggest open-source startups receiving up to $1 billion in venture capital. There are a number of reasons behind this key trend, and the most fundamental of those concerns the basic usability of open-source programming. A look at one of the most popular open source database management tools gives a good nod at why that is.
Flexibility without the cost
There are many excellent open-source database tools out there, but MariaDB perhaps has the most current and cross-business profile. As highlighted by ZDNet, the company made waves in 2013 by being picked up by Google for its management purposes and has been subject to a huge preliminary valuation on the public stock market.
The key factor that sets MariaDB apart from proprietary licensed peers is inherent in its open-source nature – flexibility, and ease of repair and access. Through MariaDB’s key built-in functions, such as mariaDB date_format and mariaDB enum, the system can be deftly manipulated without the need for third-party assistance. That means fewer referrals to the proprietor, early in-house resolution of issues, and a reduction in overheads associated with maintaining expensive proprietary software. That flexibility is absolutely invaluable to businesses.
Managing the calendar
Businesses rely on their organizational skills to stay efficient and work in a time-sensitive fashion. According to TechRadar, one of the best developments in open source software has helped to micro-target that need even further. Mail apps such as Thunderbird have allowed for greater flexibility and control over schedules and mailboxes than that is seen with more expensive mail clients or licensed software suites. Once again, not needing a third party to provide critical support and having in-house management of the software is crucial; it allows for closer management of the IT systems, a lack of any requirement to defer to outside help, and a seamless transition within the business.
Is support on the way?
Some businesses may prefer to have a halfway solution – a blend between the self-starting nature of managing their own open-source software and the support that third parties can provide. Many packages now provide this blended approach by providing the software on an OS license but offering further support and training on a cost plan. Magestore, one of the most popular eCommerce platforms that have been targeted primarily for its flexibility and ease of use, provides that feature. In e-commerce especially, having that direct use of the software and the ability to manipulate sales offerings makes the technology all the more useful.
Businesses need to be agile and embrace cost-effectiveness in the modern digitized world of industry. Open-source software gives an essential edge in meeting that requirement. With the resounding success of these software packages, it’s likely more and more functions will move from proprietary to open source.
