Table of Contents:

1. General
2. Open Source Attributes
3. Open Source For Your Business Needs
4. Contact Us

General

Open source software (distributed under GNU/GPL licenses) is defined by Metromemetics as "...free programs created through the collaborative efforts of programmers from around the world". Many well-known and highly popular products are open source: Apache, Linux, FreeBSD, MySQL, Firefox, Wikipedia, Wordpress, Joomla!.

Open Source vs. Commercial Software

There are several benefits of open source software over commercial software, namely:

• free and more cost-efficient than proprietary software:  Open source license provides for free distribution of such software. It is equal in every way to commercial software, which is expensive and is generally inaccessible to small businesses; in turn limiting their competitiveness compared to larger players.
  
  
  
  In terms of cost-benefit analysis, open source software provides apparent cost advantages over proprietary software. With no per-workplace license costs your business is free to apply extra money to other things, such as advertising etc.
  
  
  At the same time, open source solutions provide small businesses with the same tools as only the larger protagonists can afford to buy, in turn increasing their competitiveness. In the computer age this alone could mean a difference between profits and insolvency.


• can be easily modified:  Easy modification of this software allows everybody with sufficient knowledge and skills to configure and adapt system's performance to almost any specific users need. These configuration possibilities are virtually limitless; solutions can be adapted to every industry and business structure. Most solutions are Web-based and platform-independent, therefore, they work with all operating systems and computers.


• created by the collaboration of many professionals:  Open source code means that any expert worldwide is able to test the system and find and fix any vulnerability therein.  Further, most vulnerabilities are exposed, made public, and fixed, a lot quicker than those discovered in proprietary software. Sometimes security bugs in some proprietary systems were fixed six months after they were discovered by hackers. When business data is at stake, security is paramount.
  
  
  
  Moreover, upgrades are frequent and free, with changes thoroughly documented and publicized. And if that’s not enough – it’s ultimately scalable – any number of licenses your business needs free.

However, there is a drawback to the open source systems. Many of them require specialist knowledge to install and adapt to end-users' needs, turning general-purpose products into customized solutions. Installing can be complicated, and configuring may require knowledge of coding, HTML markup, or even some programming skills. This is where ACX Consulting can help your business.

Open Source For Your Business Needs

ACX Consulting is committed to ensuring your business stays competitive with larger companies through providing the most cost-effective consulting and integration services. Here's how we do it:

Evaluation Stage:

1. Collect data on the existing IT setup of your company
2. Assess current and future IT requirements

Planning Stage:

1. Develop general and specific requirements of the integrated business information management system (IBIMAS)
2. Formulate transition plan to pure open source or open source/commercial mix

Implementation Stage:

1. Hand-pick open-source and/or commercial products and solutions to incorporate into IBIMAS
2. Customize, adapt, install, configure, and integrate IBIMAS components and solutions

Testing and Training Stage:

1. Test, debug, and improve IBIMAS system performance
2. Produce training manuals, FAQs, and presentations for personnel
3. Supervise and adjust training activities and process

Transition Stage:

1. Gradually replace old systems with IBIMAS

As a result, your business gets a turn-key integrated business information management system, and you will only pay for installation and advanced customizations, because all products are free and based on GPL licenses.

Contact Us

To find out more, please contact us with a short description of your business and request a free customized report on how open source solutions can benefit your business in terms of increased competitiveness, lower costs, and better customer satisfaction.