As a business owner, you have numerous options when it comes to software solutions. Many vendors are flooding your inbox with services to address every pain point in your business.
Be cautious when this occurs. Paying someone to handle one problem or resolve an issue does not mean all your problems will disappear. SaaS solutions are often seen as catch-all remedies, but they may cause more trouble than they’re worth if your problem doesn’t fit neatly within their capabilities.
While open source software requires a different skill set to set up and integrate with your current systems, the benefits of using this type of solution generally outweigh those of a cloud-based (hosted) SaaS solution.
No contracts, no surprises
One major downside of SaaS solutions, especially at an enterprise level, is feeling locked into a product that may not serve you well in the future. As your business grows, scaling your use of a SaaS solution can become costly.
Maintain business flexibility
Whether you’re providing internal solutions for your teams or adapting your product to meet client demands, software flexibility is crucial. SaaS solutions leave you at the mercy of their production roadmaps. Open source allows you to make changes on your own schedule.
Developed by a community
SaaS solutions are typically created by companies with a vision and sold to clients who they hope share that vision. Open source works differently: users determine what they need from the software and how it can meet their requirements. Consequently, your software can adapt to suit your needs, eliminating the need to search for a new vendor.
Attract top talent
Technology experts and software developers are highly sought after due to their valuable skill sets. If you choose an open source solution, you’ll likely need a higher level of talent capable of administering and developing the software. Top talent considers your existing software stack when deciding whether to work with your company. Being tied to a specific vendor’s software limits the pool of talent interested in working for you. However, with an open source solution, you’ll attract more creative problem solvers.
Key takeaways
As a business owner, you have many options for addressing your business needs. While cloud SaaS solutions may seem convenient, they can be limiting and costly as your business grows. Open source software offers more flexibility, allowing you to make changes on your own schedule and adapt the software to suit your needs. Additionally, open source software attracts top talent and has a supportive community that can assist with your long-term growth needs.
Open source software will ultimately benefit your company in the long run. You’ll have a supportive community ready to offer assistance and solutions, ensuring your company’s long-term growth needs are met. Chances are there is already an open source solution available that can be fine-tuned to handle any task you require.
