What Is the Difference Between Open-Source and Open-Core?

The rise of open-source software platforms has completely revolutionised the rate at which enterprise applications can be produced. In fact, over 78% of companies run either part of or all of their operations using open-source software.

Open-source software is an all-encompassing term used to define any publicly accessible software application that is entirely available for free. Open-source software can then be modified and reviewed by users according to their specific needs and requirements.

Open-core is a specific business model strategy used to monetise the use of open-source software. However, ‘open-source’ is often confused with ‘open-core.’ Nevertheless, there are several key differences between open-source software platforms and open-core business models.

Differences between open-source and open-core

1)  Available features

Open-source software provides users with an application’s coding structure and tools for free. This means that the application’s features are accessible to anyone at any given time. However, open-core platforms provide applications with limited features, which can then be upgraded to commercially produced proprietary software with more inclusive premium features for a particular fee.

2) Cost

One of the biggest differences between open-source and open-core software is that open-source is completely free to use, while open-core requires a certain fee for increased full application functionality. Therefore, open-source solutions usually take advantage of alternative business models to monetise their product, such as crowdfunding, client consultation services, donations, or partnering with funding organisations.

3) Flexibility and Innovation

Open-source software allows users to change and adjust an application’s basic coding structure to fit their specific needs and requirements. This provides organisations with increased flexibility to change and innovate the software’s structure without restriction.

This also means that organizations can build customized enterprise applications that can better suit their specific management and workplace, leading to better efficiency and productivity.

However, open-core software usually has a very strictly defined set of available features that cannot be changed as per the user’s convenience. There are a particular set of software features that can be availed for an upgradation fee. The use of open-source software platforms can further help prevent vendor lock-in.

4) Collaboration

Open-source software encourages and fosters collaboration amongst application developers, as anyone can modify, develop and test the code structure. However, open-core software can only be modified by the organisation that provides it, as its source code is protected and confidential.

Crust – Open Source Software You’ll Ever Need

Crust’s CRM and low code software solutions are the perfect open-source software platforms you need for your business. They assist your organisation’s business processes by providing excellent automation features and BPMN tools.

Crust has various graphic and visualisation tools that can help you organise, delegate and manage tasks. Try a demo so that your business can take advantage of all the numerous benefits of open-source solutions.