On the Internet, the symbol of a padlock is frequently associated with security--specifically credit card security. You'll see the padlock icon somewhere in your web browser when making a purchase from a reputable website.

However, the padlock symbol at the top of this article is unlocked. Why? Because this article will discuss the benefits of using an open source content management system for your website. So, why would an unlocked padlock represent an open source content management system for your website? Would it mean decreased security for your website? Far from it.

What in the World Does Open Source Mean?

Russ figures that there's not too much cause for concern since Action Pizazz Studios built a "cutting-edge" website for them. He figures that another firm can just pick up where they left off.

It's easy. All it means is that the designer of a system wants to share that system with others. For example, a fellow named Dries Buytaert developed an open source content management system called Drupal. He decided to share it with everyone on the Internet, so he put the source code online. Then Forbes Magazine, MTV, Lifetime Television and thousands of other companies used his source code to make their own websites.

When he shared the source code, (the bits and pieces of the actual computer program) he made it open source.

Why Does Open Source Help Me?

Great question. Let's start with a story.

A business manager named Russ is tasked by his boss (the business owner) to go out and hire someone to create a website. So, in the fall of 2001, Russ hires a real sharp guy named Ben to design their website. Ben does a great job with the website. Over the next few years, Russ pays Ben many times to update some text and graphics on the website and add some new pages.

The First Website Redesign

In the spring of 2004, Russ is under pressure to get the website redesigned in order to keep up with changing demand and economy. However, Ben has become an architect and given up web design.

The investment that his company made in that "cutting edge" system with Action Pizazz Studios is lost.

So, Russ does his due diligence in selecting a vendor and hires a web design firm called Action Pizazz Studios. They setup a brand new website that is "cutting-edge". They've even created a content management system so that Russ and his staff can make updates to the website themselves. All is well.

The Second Website Redesign

In the fall of 2008, once again, due to the changing demands of the market, Russ needs to add some more sophisticated features to his website. His plan to enhance the website is ready and he picks up the phone to call Action Pizazz Studios. As he begins to dial, he receives an email with the subject line "Action Pizazz Studios Closes Its Doors". It's a blast email that was sent to all of their clients explaining that they are going out of business and that they'll be glad to refer their clients to another vendor.

So, Russ figures that there's not too much cause for concern since Action Pizazz Studios built a "cutting-edge" website for them. He figures that another firm can just pick up where they left off.

"...you can always take your website somewhere else and keep your initial investment in the website."

A few weeks later, he gets a proposal from another web firm explaining that it would actually cost more to modify his existing "cutting edge" system, than it would to completely rebuild the entire website. The investment that his company made in that "cutting edge" system with Action Pizazz Studios is lost.

Vendor Lock-In Kills Your Investment

What went wrong? Take another look at the padlock at the top of this article. Now imagine that it's closed. When Action Pizazz Studios built a content management system all their own, they locked Russ into using only their firm. It's called vendor lock in--you may be familiar with it.

Finally--A Real, Lasting Solution

So, let's go back to the question, "How does open source help me?" Let's continue with the story.

Russ is in a bind. He finally gets approval from his boss to bite the bullet and get the website completely redesigned--but he's not going to make the same mistake twice. He interviews several web firms. During one conversation with a professional consultant named Lars from For the Stars Internet Group, he says, "Lars, this all sounds fine and good, but how do I know that you won't go out of business and then I'm back where I started?"

Drupal has benefited from contributions of hundreds of thousand of developers/programmers all over world.

"That's a great question", says Lars. "We don't build our own system here. We use a system that is free and open source called Drupal. And that same system is used by hundreds of other web firms around the world, so you can always take your website somewhere else and keep your initial investment in the website."

"Well, that sounds great, but let me do a little research and I'll get back to you", replies Russ. Russ hangs up the phone and does a Google search for "Drupal". He spends about a half hour reading about Drupal and discovers that there actually IS a huge directory of hundreds of web design firms that use Drupal to choose from around the world.

He dials Lars back: "Where do I sign to get this thing started?"

Use of Open Source Website Software Results in Low Cost of Ownership

What's the conclusion? If you use open source software that can be supported by many other vendors, then you don't risk losing your initial investment of thousands of dollars.

Open Source Software Generally Has More Features

There are a myriad of other benefits besides cost. Open source software is generally feature rich because so many people are working on it. A piece of software built by a small company can only go so far with a limited number of people enhancing it over time.

Drupal has benefited from contributions of hundreds of thousands of developers/programmers all over world.

Are you ready to get started with Drupal? Have some questions? Just contact us.