System Alternatives, LLC

Open source simply means the software is developed publicly and freely available.  There are many licensing models for open source but for the most part they are free.  System Alternatives does not sell open source software.  We have taken the time to understand the different solutions we recommend, from installation to functionality.  What we sell is installation knowledge, training and in many cases appliances that will run the software.

This is probably the most asked question about open source software.  The best way I can explain it is using the analogy of a community garden. In a community garden all participate to produce the best yield.  If Jane is using a fertilizer that works great on tomatoes then she tells Bill.  Bill then benefits from Jane’s knowledge and the entire garden is more productive.  Because of Bill’s success he decides to help with weeding Jim’s corn, and so on. In a private garden you still produce the same food but the yield would vary based on the person responsible for its upkeep.   If the home changes hands the garden may improve or be mowed down. Private software companies develop software in a closed environment.  The product is at the mercy of the stability of the company and its staff.  Don’t get me wrong there are many great choices here but it is worth noting the difference As the user of open source software you contribute by supplying feedback on the software.  You may also want to add a custom enhancement or find a new way to use the software.  By sharing you help the entire community.  By giving away the software they are able to more rapidly evolve it into a stable feature rich environment with very low overhead.

Many community projects rely on four sources for income, donations, modification contracts, support contracts and in some cases a “pay for” version with enhanced capabilities.  In many cases the last three are unnecessary.  If you feel you would like to donate it is always appreciated by the community but is not a requirement. System Alternatives will review your needs and propose a solution that will include a support contract if needed.  We do not profit from such contracts.

This is a tricky question to answer.  The real answer goes beyond the software and depends on your entire security policy.  If all is done properly in this arena my opinion that it is a wash between open source and proprietary software.  Our job is to provide you with advice and solutions to keep your whole system secure.

A study performed in 2005 by Computer Economics asked companies using open source solutions which of the following yielded the most advantage in using open source solutions:
1. Reduced dependence on software vendors
2. Lower total cost of ownership
3. Easier to customize
4. Higher level of security
5. Do not see a significant advantage
The clear winner was “Reduced dependence on software vendors” followed by “Lower cost” and then “Easier to customize”. Interestingly 1, 2 and 3 all have to do with improving your bottom line directly.  Although it effects the cost of your solution the truth is reduced dependence on outside vendors also speaks to things like down time and overall satisfaction with the product.  One of the common arguments against open source software is, what about support.  In the past this was a valid question but with modern, mature open source solutions your need for help is greatly reduced due to increased stability.  (All the solutions we offer have support services available if needed.)  This study is evidence to that.
One of the things was believe in at System Alternatives is that saving money from the bottom line is easier and has more and far reaching effects than increasing sales.  By lowering the overall cost of your IT overhead more of your hard work will make it through to you and your companies wallet.  This is just one way we stand behind our motto, your business, our solutions, your success.

Many of our solutions are not only open source but they run in a web browser.  This means that the application is instantly available to all of your company’s computers without any drawn out installation process.  This reduces the risk of introducing new software to PC’s that may have stability issues already.  It also means that, with some security considerations, you can make it available outside the office over the Internet.

A few of the solutions…..

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Backup/Restore

Accounting/ERP*

Email Server

Groupware

Document Control

Photo Gallery

And much more………
*May require additional time with your accountant or outside consultant.

Call us today to arrange a free consultation.  We will look at what you have to see if an open source solution is right for you.  1-866-964-7776