This document provides an overview comparison of open source vs proprietary web content management systems (CMS). It discusses that open source CMS are built and maintained by communities, allow modifications to source code, and are typically free, while proprietary CMS are built and maintained by single companies, do not provide access to source code, and require licensing fees. It then examines factors to consider for each type of CMS such as support, customization options, and potential issues. Popular open source and proprietary CMS are also listed. The document concludes with an introduction to using WordPress, covering the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.

1. Module 4
Open Source vs Proprietary
web CMSs & Let’s get
started with Wordpress!
March 24

2. General Comparison
Open Source Proprietary
(purchased from a company)
• Built and maintained by groups of interested people
all over the world
• Typically one controlling body who oversees
• Belongs to no one (or everyone!)
• Built and maintained by a single company
• Make the source code available to all
• Can extend and modify the code and create new
functionality as required
• Typically do not allow access to the source code
• Some provide an open framework (or API)
• Custom software can connect functionality/features
• Can be hosted almost anywhere • May need to be hosted by the company that
created
• Some can be hosted elsewhere
• Are typically free – or at least the software itself is
• Customization, design, and hosting are not free
• Typically require a license fee of some sort
• Can range from affordable to very expensive

3. When to consider an Open Source WCM system
• Quick and cheap up front, a basic template can get you started
• Great if you have a unique idea and need to build custom functionality
• You’re comfortable making choices about technology including add-
ons and enhancements and hosting
• The great thing about open source is there are hundreds of companies making
add-ons… the bad thing is at some point you will need to evaluate and choose
which one you need
• Continually updated code - fast to react to trends, issues,
enhancements
• Portability - can move relatively easily to another system

4. Potential issues/problems with Open Source WCM systems
• You get what you pay for (templates especially)
• Support and upgrades are typically not included - you
need to do yourself or find help
• You (or your technology partner) must have a plan to
keep the software updated for bugs, security issues and
enhancements or the site may be open to hackers

5. Popular Open Source WCM systems
• cmscritic.com/dir - great list

6. When to consider a Proprietary WCM system
• If you want to focus on the content not the technology
• Your functional needs are met by the software
• You don’t require custom development
• You don’t want to deal with updates, bugs and security issues and
want a full service hosting plan
• You don’t want to deal with decisions on which modules may be
best, upgrading the platform, etc.
• You want to rely on a partner company to manage most of the
“back-end” side of the site

7. Potential issues/problems with Proprietary WCM systems
• Companies and software solutions come and go…what if your system is
bought up? Goes out of business? Changes direction?
• Will the company be around and be continually investing in the
product?
• Few options for software enhancements or customizations, or they may
be very expensive
• Likely to be limited to the standard modules and functionality available
• Locked into what the company does - may be difficult or impossible to
move your content in the future

8. Popular Proprietary WCM
systems
• cmscritic.com/dir - great list

9. Let’s get started with
Wordpress

10. Wordpress Basics
wordpress.com wordpress.org
What it is:
• Way to get Wordpress going super fast with none of
the downloading, installing or hosting work
• Costs ranges from free (with ads) to annual fee
• Can start here then migrate to a self-hosted platform
at any time
• Can use a free domain or your own (for a fee)
What it is:
• “WordPress” the software is freely available to the
public
• You download to a server and set up
• Place to start for help and support forums
• “How to” information
Pros:
• Services include:
• spam protection
• automatic backups
• automatic updates and security
• Can make minimal CSS changes
Pros:
• Plugins (free and “premium” (for sale) are available
here too
• Can choose a free template, purchase one or build
your own and upload
• Full access to PHP code
Cons:
• Minimal modifications possible
• Can’t modify the PHP code
• Can’t upload your own chosen Plugins
• Have to select a theme, can’t upload your own
• Have to upgrade ($) to lose ads
Cons:
• You will still need a web host — and a host is not
free

11. Comparison Video
Published on Mar 25, 2013 | This video does a side-by-side comparison of WordPress.com and WordPress.org. By
the end of this video you should be able to make an informed decision as to which WordPress product is the right
option for you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Nh11GI4-Gc

12. Templates
• theme.wordpress.com/themes/
• Because content and presentation are kept
separate in Wordpress your content will
integrate into a new theme with little/no work
• Allows you to test them out
• Many are responsive by default
• Some have built-in features to make adding
content easy
• E.g. portfolio sections
• Keep in mind that many other sites will be
using the same template
• You can customize minimal CSS, but main
features are as-is

13. Sketch theme
https://theme.wordpress.com/themes/sketch

14. Intro to the Assignment
head over to eLearn for details

15. References
• http://www.bloomtools.com/articles/open-source-vs-
proprietary-cms.html
• http://diythemes.com/thesis/rtfm/differences-wordpress-
com-org/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MF-epBurAE