The document discusses the differences between open source and proprietary digital asset management (DAM) software, noting that while proprietary software has set features and costs money, open source DAM like ResourceSpace is customizable, has no licensing fees, and benefits from contributions from a global community of developers. It ultimately argues that open source DAM like ResourceSpace provides more opportunities for customizing software to meet needs while saving costs compared to proprietary options that lock users into vendor agreements.

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The big DAM debate:
Open source VS.
proprietary software
A ResourceSpace guide

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• When choosing digital
asset management
software (DAM), you’re
likely to be considering
the features that are
available, as well as
costs and budgets.
Choosing digital asset management
software (DAM)

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Making your choice between vendors
You also need to consider:
• Whether to host your new DAM system in the
cloud or with an on-premise solution
• The differences between open source and
proprietary software

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What is open source software?
• Programmers create and modify software using
source code
• The term ‘open source’ describes software whose
source code is freely available on the internet
• Accessible for anyone to use without charge and
to adapt and develop to their own needs
• Offers a flexible and community-based approach,
with potential beyond its original incarnation

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What is proprietary software?
• Proprietary software is sold as a physical or digital
product without revealing the details of the
source code
• This means that it is used at cost, and can’t be
edited
• Must be used ‘as is’, as a paid for service

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Open Source
Software

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Customisable
• As the source code is freely available, anyone can
modify open source software
• It allows for additions and customisations beyond
what was originally built by the vendor
• The code performs exactly as you need it to,
extending and personalising the software’s
capabilities

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Ready out of the box
• Open source software comes with powerful
features which are ready to use out the box
• An easy to use interface that is user friendly for
all members of your team
• If you choose not to customise your software,
you’ll still have a high performance and complete
product offering

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No license fee
• Open source software can be used without paying
a license fee
• Plus there’s no vendor lock-in, representing a low
cost method of using feature-rich software

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Faster rate of innovation
Because modifications are being undertaken by
those who are using the software:
• New advancements and improvements often
occur at a much faster pace
• Customisations are often insightful, productive
and useful to others

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Be part of something
• By modifying code made available via the internet,
you can join a community of like-minded coders
• You can compare modifications you’ve made, and
benefit from the work created by other developers
• Open source products are often supported by
forums and other social platforms

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More to learn
• Learn wider coding and IT skills than with
proprietary offerings
• Experiment and collaborate with a vast collective
of fellow developers
• Open source abilities can be transferred to other
open source products

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Solid foundations
• Although it is freely available online, open source
code is still a robust, secure and reliable platform
• It is no lesser in capability than more privately
guarded proprietary source code
• The broader community often contributes
extensions, adjustments and bonus components

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• The source code is
exposed to potentially
millions of constant
users, so bugs and
problems are much
more likely to be
spotted and reported
Fewer bugs and quicker fixes

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Proprietary loves open source
• Open source software is likely to be used by the
majority of consumers at some point
• It forms the basis of big name software brands
• Proprietary vendors themselves utilise, praise and
integrate open source software
• Likely to be used by the employees of proprietary
software organisations themselves

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Open source opens doors
With the open source model, you’ll:
• Benefit from the robust set of tools you need
• Customise and collaborate on having the code
perform exactly as you need it to
• Access a global community of like-minded
developers
• Learn new skills for your team and yourself

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Proprietary
software

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• Proprietary software is
seen as an established
‘ready to go’ solution,
however it comes with
additional fees not
associated with open
source
About Proprietary software

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Proprietary Software – Issues
• You may be locked into a vendor agreement
• You are bound by the vendor as to how the
software should work
• You will need to learn the system
• There’s no options to customise the product to fit
your ways of working
• You won’t benefit from the extensive online
community of open source developers

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Is closed source software more
secure?
• Proprietary software may be more secure, as
hackers do not have access to the code to look
for vulnerabilities and identify weaknesses
• However, open source benefits from a much wider
volume of users constantly reviewing the code
• So according to Linus’s Law, the larger the
number of people reviewing the code, the more
secure it is likely to be

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Summary

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Whatever you choose,
choose a DAM
• A dependable product from a vendor you can trust
• Advanced features to store, locate and distribute
files, saving time and resources
• Removes restrictions by more rigid proprietary
vendors
• Formidable tools straight out of the box
• Option to customise, collaborate and develop your
system at little to no cost

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Summary – Why open source makes
it even better
• DAM software can free up resources and creativity
to save your team time and energy
• Open source software, such as ResourceSpace,
provides opportunities for customisation and
building new features
• ResourceSpace offers full customer support
across every hosting option

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Case Study

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Open Source DAM in action
• For Kate Blanch of the Walters Art Museum in
Baltimore, using open source software
revolutionised the way the institution approached
digital asset management
• Read the full case study outlining the use of
ResourceSpace at the Walters Art Museum:
http://www.resourcespace.com/feed

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Full White Paper

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Full White Paper
• Interested to learn more? Download the full white
paper: The big DAM debate: Open source VS.
proprietary software
http://www.resourcespace.com/download?wp=3

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About
ResourceSpace

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About ResourceSpace
• ResourceSpace is web-based Digital Asset
Management software
• Convenient, productive and easy to use solution
for organising and sharing files
• Improves efficiency, encourages collaboration, and
frees up time and resources

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About ResourceSpace
• Fully customisable with highly beneficial features
• Open source software, meaning there are no
license fees to pay or vendor lock-ins
• To get started, visit:
http://www.resourcespace.com/trial

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Contact us
www.resourcespace.com
United Kingdom: 01367 710 245
International: +44 1367 710 245