What is SaaS vs Open Source | Open Source CMS (Content Management System) vs Software as a Service (Saas) for websites

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SaaS vs. Open Source
www.ClickTecs.com
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Agenda

• Define Platforms, Open Source, Hosted
• Discuss Pros and Cons of Both types of systems
• The RIGHT Solution for your client
• Pricing Factors? How to Quote?

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What is a Platform ?

• Definition Platform is a Framework within which
  software is developed software can function
• Platforms
• make life easy for developers
• allow the small tasks to be done easily thus
  saving time
• are a collection of facilities or services that
  can be used to make life easy more efficient

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Its a Jungle out there!!
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Open Source Platforms

• Definition Open source describes practices in
  production and development that promote access to
  the end product's source materials
• Open Source
• Can be described as Freely distributed
• Is all about Social , Community Sharing
• Bunch of developers come together build
  something using all their skills that can be
  shared by others
• Code is freely available for everyone to see
  build on

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Open Source - Continued

• Normally the open source community is very agile
  , quick to react and eager to help
• Open source offers freedom of expression to
  people , they get to design their solutions to
  their perceptions of others problems.
• Recently major corporations like Google Apple
  have been focusing a lot on Open Source because
  of its obvious benefits

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Open Source Examples

• A great example is the App Store , Apple will
  give a free Development Kit to any developer who
  wants to build an App for the iphone or ipad , no
  licenses , no money.
• If the App sells the developer gets paid , the
  Developer also has the choice to give the App
  away for free
• EXAMPLES of OPEN SOURCE PLATFORMS JOOMLA ,
  WORDPRESS , DNN , BUSINESS EDGE

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Hosted Platforms

• Hosted Platforms are based on the SaaS model
• SaaS stands for Software as a Service
• This means you pay for use of the software and
  not the software itself
• The service provider like your phone company
  provides you everything (the phone , the number ,
  the service) you pay for what you use

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Hosted Platforms Continued

• SaaS allows high end technology to be available
  at very affordable prices by bringing in the
  economies of scale
• Code is normally concealed and access is
  restricted or controlled
• EXAMPLES OF SAAS PLATFORMS INCLUDE Business
  Catalyst (Adobe) , CAR DEALERSHIP SITES
  (DEALER.COM OR DEALERSKINS.COM)

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Open Source Pros

• Complete access to code - we can customize this
  type of system to any extent , be it talking to
  the customers point of sale system , integrate to
  their accounting system , create embedded flash
  applications , absolutely anything is possible
• Open Source code - easy to understand code , well
  organized developed by people who love what
  they do.
• Support - hundreds of developers who know the
  system inside out are available all over the
  internet , in addition to that they have forums ,
  blogs etc. you can google any issue and find a
  fix.

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Open Source Pros

• Applications Modules tons of modules or
  widgets freely available eg. if you wanted a
  real estate site you could simply install a
  module and get done in 20 minutes
• Low cost of ownership typical hosting fees
  range between 5-15 dollars a month for an average
  site
• The Client "owns" the site so they can move it or
  host it anywhere and they have access to all the
  code
• Zero Cost of Technology Normally the source
  code is completely free to get

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Open Source Cons

• Complex Setup  install - a server has to be
  prepared and setup so you need an expert to do
  this 
• Managing a site can be complex as it is designed
  for a basic level of technical skill
• Developers of Open Source tend to assume that it
  will be used by other Developers , however this
  is rapidly changing
• Simple functions maybe easy to perform , but you
  have to know certain nuances of the system

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Open Source Cons

• Design Architecture is very opinionated , open
  source allows freedom of expression, so an
  amazing application may come with a quirky
  dependency , just because thats what the
  developer wanted to do.
• Multiple variants to one solution
• Too Many options
• High initial cost - since a lot more work needs
  to be done to set this up

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SaaS - Hosted Pros

• Cutting Edge Technology The creators of the
  Application upgrade the application centrally
  everyone benefits with the upgrade
• Easy to Manage the user interface is very user
  friendly
• Large Investments by creators Normally these
  initiatives are backed by capital so the
  associated benefits are reflected

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SaaS - Hosted Pros

• Well Packaged
• Well Documented
• Dedicated Support
• Heavily Featured to cover 80-90 of requisite
  functionality
• Low to No cost upfront

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SaaS - Hosted Cons

• No "ownership" the client never really owns the
  site , its more so a lease  
• No Portability the client cant host the site on
  their servers
• Higher cost of ownership Over time
• Limited customization since you have no access
  to code , you get stuck when you are faced with
  advanced customization
• Limited "specialist" its tough to find
  developers who know the system inside out. As
  compared to an open source system

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Selecting the Right Solution

• Pricing Constraints Does the math work? Will
  they pay the higher monthly fee (SaaS/hosted) or
  the higher setup fee (Open Source)?
• Do they want to Own the site ?
• If NO, then SaaS is an option
• Will the Client be very Hands on with the
  solution?
• If YES, then with SaaS they can break a lot less.
  

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Questions? Jamshaid (Jam) Hashmijhashmi_at_clicktecs
.com Connect with me on Linkedin http//ca.linked
in.com/in/jamshaidhashmi
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shmi