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Free Software Saves Time/Money

Under Perens’ definition, open source describes a broad general type of software license that makes source code available to the general public with relaxed or non-existent copyright restrictions. The principles, as stated, say absolutely nothing about trademark or patent use and require absolutely no cooperation to ensure that any common audit or release regime applies to any derived works. It is an explicit “feature” of open source that it may put no restrictions on the use or distribution by any organization or user. It forbids this, in principle, to guarantee continued access to derived works even by the major original contributors. (Wikipedia, 2009)

By this definition and in so many words, open-source means free. By eliminating the costs associated with licenses, this only leaves the costs of development. If you have a skilled and honest developer, he/she will be able to fill you in on the open-source tools that they use regularly.

Always mention to your developer that you’d like to know if there are any open-source tools available to help achieve your goals. This will give you the advantage of lower costs and could save a lot of time. If your developer isn’t willing to offer open-source solutions or doesn’t know how to use any of them, steer clear! Having an arsenal of open-source tools readily available ensures that the developer is diverse in knowledge and is really trying to give the client the best bang for their buck. Here are a few examples of open-source solutions that could save you time and money:

• Open Lazlo is a great new way to create Flash-like animations on a budget. It is an open-source software that developers can download and use. Open Lazlo facilitates such projects as animations, custom video/media players, games, image galleries, etc.

Example:

www.brabendercox.com- This site features an interactive, customized media player as the header on the home page. Incorporating Open Lazlo saved the programmer a lot of time and Brabender Cox a lot of money, and achieved exactly the same result as if the more expensive and time consuming option (Flash) had been used.

• Drupal is an open-source content management system. Content management systems are set up to help non-technical people manage the text and images of their Web sites. There are proprietary solutions for content management as well, like NuContent, however some people find open-source CMS solutions more suitable due to the flexibility of design modules that enable Web site owners to have different features. One reason that Drupal could be a good solution for your Web site is that no programming is required, meaning that a good Web developer can integrate this software with little or no programming knowledge, thereby keeping the cost lower. One disadvantage of using a software like Drupal is that there isn’t as much control over the design elements of the site versus a more custom, proprietary solution like NuContent. A good Web design firm should be able to steer you in the right direction, based on your individual needs and budget.

• Blender is a free open-source 3D content creation software. Blender.org has a large community of developers all over the globe that constantly update and add how-to’s to the site. Many use Blender for 3D character animation and video production. Finding a reputable Web design firm that is familiar with Blender could save you time and money by creating animations, characters, and other interactive projects on a significantly lower budget.

• J-Query is a Javascript library that helps developers save time by being able to create items like event systems, image galleries, animations, and many other interactive features for Web sites. A community of developers is constantly adding to the plethora of applications that jQuery can do. Another great advantage of open-source is that everyone contributes to the development, which generally results in high quality, effective software.

• PHPList is an open-source newsletter list manager. Unlike some of its more expensive counterparts, PHPList is available to download on the Web for free and is easy to integrate into any Web site. With tracking and the ability to send attachments this is a highly valuable free solution.

If you are interested in any of these open source applications, ask your Web developer to fill you in. If they are not sure about them, each solution has its own site and articles on the Web. You might also be giving your developer a tip! The more you know about the open-source technologies that are out there, the more savvy Web site shopper you will become.

If you know that there are ways to save money, it doesn’t hurt to mention them to any of the prospective Web design/programming companies you are interviewing for Web site work. If the firm you are considering tries to discourage you from using open-source, there is a good possibility you will end up paying a premium for your site. Look elsewhere. In this economy you should find a Web design and programming firm that will work with you to achieve your goals in the most cost-effective way while still providing a high quality end result.

Find a Web design/programming company whose developers have a constant thirst for knowledge – developers that are always riding the latest techno-wave. If you find a Web design firm like this you will find progammers/developers that are passionate about their work and are not just doing it for the money. If you find that you will rarely be disappointed and you will rarely overpay.

NuRelm offers FREE WEB ASSESSMENTS to all businesses with underperforming Web sites.

About the Author

Heather Jewell is Director of Operations for NuRelm. NuRelm is a 10-year-old Web site design and software firm that develops high-traffic Web sites and Web-based tools for business professionals. NuRelm’s products help companies sell more and increase operational efficiency while maintaining a focus on affordability. Continuous innovation, high ethical standards, and client responsiveness are NuRelm’s primary catalysts. Contact NuRelm at info@nurelm.com or (877)2NuRelm.

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