What is SaaS vs Open Source for websites

1. SaaSvs. Open Source www.ClickTecs.com

2. 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?

3. 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

4. It’s a Jungle out there!!

5. 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

6. 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 “other’s” problems. • Recently major corporations like Google & Apple have been focusing a lot on Open Source because of its obvious benefits

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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 that’s 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

14. 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

15. SaaS - Hosted Pros • Well Packaged • Well Documented • Dedicated Support • Heavily Featured to cover 80-90% of requisite functionality • Low to No cost upfront

16. 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

17. 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.

18. Questions? Jamshaid (Jam) Hashmijhashmi@clicktecs.com Connect with me on Linkedin http://ca.linkedin.com/in/jamshaidhashmi Follow me on Facebook:www.facebook.com/jamshaidhashmi