SaaS Makes Open Source Software Usable.

Open Source is said to be geeky. It certainly can be difficult to install and setup for the normal enduser. The open software scene was always belittled by the established vendors as not commercial enough to succeed, and because of it’s user unfriendliness.. But the development scene is slowly changing.

More and more open source software projects are being set up to develop web based applications. While this does not mean that it is any easier to install and setup, it open now possibilities for SaaS – Software as a Service providers.

The software is installed on the SaaS providers server and by the technical team of the provider. Now the enduser “consuming” the software online is removed from the geeky process and can use the software as a normal user.

A halfway point is the consulting firm which installs and maintains the open source software for a client, this way the software is free and only the consulting and maintenance part is to be paid for. But even this service can end up costing hundreds if not thousands of pounds, putting it out of reach for small business.

SaaS providers offer the install, maintain and usage part for a small monthly fee. Open source software is now within reach of the small business community. This creates a much better value proposition for enduser.

Combining Open Source and SaaS – Software as a Service will challenge the established software industry and even put one or two vendors out of business. Now the problem for the “boxed” vendors is that they are too commercial.

Tags: Business Development, Business Infrastructure, Business Start Up, Entrepreneur, Home Business, Micro Business, On-demand, Open Source Software, Selfemployed, Small Business, smb, sme, sme-blog, Software as a Service, Web Technology, WinWeb

2 Responses to “ SaaS Makes Open Source Software Usable. ”

1. Baseball Bats For Sale
   
   Said on November 19th, 2008 at 8:54 pm

   “SaaS providers offer the install, maintain and usage part for a small monthly fee. ”

   I think that is very smart move. The truth is the biggest barrier to people using open source is that it is something new. many people do not like change and the possible challenges it entails.

   Offering to install and maintain open source software for a low fee may motivate more small business owners to embrace open source. They would definitely save a lot of money, comparitively soeaking that is.

2. David
   
   Said on April 16th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

   Open source has its advantages and disadvantages.Usually, the first perceived advantage of open source models is the fact that open source software is made available gratis or at a low cost.

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