The choice between paid and open-source software tools can be a confusing one for decision makers. The promise of obtaining software that can reduce costs while providing the same level of functionality can be alluring. There are few software procurement professionals who are not interested in saving their organizations some money.
At first glance, going with an open-source solution may appear to be a straightforward decision. However, issues that are not apparent right away may underlie that decision. The same is true with many other supposedly less expensive offerings likely to be encountered throughout a lifetime. When you consider all aspects, the answer is not so clear-cut, even if the only goal was to use the less expensive alternative.
Read the whitepaper “How to choose between paid and open-source software solutions” to learn more about the differentiating factors that inform the decision to use an open-source or paid software tool. The whitepaper discusses:
- Cost is not as simple a calculation
- Complexity, functionality, and easy-of-use
- Vendor support
- Stability and reliability
- Security and compliance