Pros and Cons of Open Source Software

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Pros and Cons of Open Source Software

Open source software pros:

Cost Effective

OSS is generally less costly than a proprietary program. With OSS, businesses which are not sure exactly what they are looking for in an application are able to test out different software without the financial commitment that can come along with proprietary programs. Additionally, extra costs such as licensing fees and subscription fees can be avoided when OSS is selected. Rather than jumping right into a proprietary program, businesses with financial limitations may find this option to be a better fit.

Community

The group of developers who designed the OSS are available for assistance with any issue one may have. Also, because the source code in OSS is available to the public, this type of software is always being improved. Even those who did not take part in creating the open source software have the ability to alter it.

Additionally, you can make your own changes to OSS which meet the specific needs of your company. Many businesses choose to outsource this type of customization. For example, if you find an OSS that fits most of your needs, but there are a few features missing which would be beneficial, then you could hire someone to implement these missing features to the OSS.

Open source software cons:

Reliability

Although there is a community of programmers constantly working on OSS which may be able to help solve technical issues, there is no dedicated, reliable technical support group for OSS. In other words, nobody is getting paid to help you solve issues with OSS. If your client or employee is suffering from a bug and you or the OSS community does not know how to solve it, you may end up having to hire externally to resolve the issue. This, of course, will cost money that you likely did not anticipate spending. Proprietary commercial software, on the other hand, tends to come along with dedicated support from the developers of this software. Because this support team created the software, they are extremely knowledgeable and always ensure that it is working properly.

Another reason why OSS is unreliable is because of the lack of security involved. Programmers working on the software cannot necessarily be trusted, and could have malicious intentions for all you know. This could potentially lead to the incorporation of malware into the software. There is also potential for “orphan software”, which is discontinued work on open source software due to a programmer losing interest or abandoning the software for any reason.

Not as User-Friendly as Commercial Software

Although this does not apply to all OSS, it is often true. OSS has a reputation for being geared toward programmers rather than end users. And because OSS is constantly being modified and enhanced, users can be confused by these updates or even be unsure which version of an application they should be using to begin with. This lack of user-friendliness can negatively impact a company’s competitive advantage, as other companies may have proprietary software that is more attractive to end-users.

Those users who are not technologically savvy or are otherwise just confused by OSS updates may require special training. Some companies may even need to go so far as to make modifications to the GUI (Graphical User Interface) and integrate it with the back end which can be costly, require external support, and therefore can counteract the affordability aspect of OSS.

The practicality of OSS depends on a company’s specific requirements. While OSS may be the best fit for some companies, proprietary commercial software is a better fit for others. If you would like to discuss the implementation of either of these options for your company, contact us today to be connected with an experienced consultant.

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Software Selection: Should you Choose Custom Software or COTS?

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Software Selection: Should you Choose Custom Software or COTS?

When to decide on custom development:

If there are no COTS that meets your business’ needs

Every company has unique needs. Some of these needs are so specific that choosing a COTS would disrupt existing processes, thus, causing frustration among team members. One of the benefits of a custom software solution is that you are starting with a blank slate. Therefore, you can add features that will meet your company’s specific needs. Additionally, you will not be paying for features you wouldn’t use.

If you have strict workflows

When choosing a COTS, your users will most likely have to change their workflows to adapt to the new system. If your organization already has strict workflows, modifying current workflows may significantly impede existing processes. As a result, custom software is probably the best solution. Additionally, a custom solution is a great way to streamline processes through workflow automation.

If planning for the future

When designing your custom software, you can plan for future growth while ensuring the system will meet your current needs. You can also incorporate additional development features, like updates and enhancements. When choosing a COTS, it is almost impossible to ensure that the solution will be scalable. Thus, you may be searching for a new system in just a few years.

When to decide on COTS:

If you saw a product that could work for you

While you were researching or trying out a demo, you may have come across a product that catches your interest. If you liked the way a product works, and it will suit the needs of end users, then choosing a COTS may be the right solution. Additionally, an existing product gives you an exact visual and representation of the final product.

If you are looking for an immediate solution

If time is of the essence, then choosing a COTS may be the best solution. It can take months to develop a custom software solution. Before the project even starts, there is usually a requirements gathering session to identify pain points. Then, there is the process of implementing feedback to ensure the solution will meet the end users’ requirements.

So now what? Before you choose a solution, you should consider your budget, requirements, the timeline to implement a solution, and end goals. It is usually good to meet with key stakeholders so you can determine the above factors. Sometimes, having an outside source weigh in and provide expertise can help fast track the decision process. If you are ready to talk about a software solution, our consultants would love to hear from you!

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Custom Software Solution Examples

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Custom Software Solution Examples

Data Management System

An online database can help your organization, create, and share reports within different departments. By creating a custom database you can include features that are relevant to your organization, such as a feature that will translate documents or store folders to manage users’ data. An online and user-friendly database will also allow you to pull reports and share with relevant internal and external stakeholders. This centralized location will eliminate the use of multiple spreadsheets.

Study Management System

A study management system can help clinical research organization better organize their studies and operations digitally. Thus, eliminating manual processes and the use of multiple spreadsheets. Within this system, you can include custom features, such as a section for patients and providers to share feedback, study status, or a calendar for scheduling visits. With a custom system, you can also create forms and reports that can be shared with restricted users.

Document Management System

There are many types of important types of documents for each industry. For example, in the legal industry, it is important to manage cases and client information. A case management system may include a calendar to coordinate client meeting and deadlines, different folders to store client documentation, and a billing system to ease the billing process.

Grant Management System

For fund-seeking organizations, managing grants is a core component of the business. By customizing a management system, you can include features that are most important to helping your business success. A grant management system could include forms for requesting and submitting grants, the status of grants submissions, approvals, or drafts, and be integrated with accounting tools and email servers.

Knowledge Management System

Knowledge is power and its imperative to a company’s success. That’s why a knowledge management system is a great solution to storing and organizing all the company’s knowledge. With a custom system, you can store and share relevant information with all company employees or restricted employees. You can also create the system so that each department has a section to store and share files, calendars, and other information within the department.

These are just a few of the types of custom software examples. The possibilities of developing a solution like this are endless. If you are experiencing a business challenge and think automation is the solution, then a custom software solution is worth looking into. If you would like to learn how a custom software solution can help your organization, we’d love to hear from you!

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The untold secrets to the right software

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Selecting the Right Software

Is it time for you to begin the software selection process? If so, you are probably weighing the pros and cons of a commercial-off-the-shelf solution (COTS) against a custom software solution. Or perhaps you are starting on scratch, with no real conviction on which road you are hoping to go down. Either way, selecting the right software can without a doubt be stressful and challenging - but it doesn't have to be.

With the right tools in your wheelhouse, selecting the right software can be a breeze. The first step that should take plan when undergoing the software selection process is to evaluate your business needs and goals. This will help you to establish the trajectory that you see your business going down, as well as define a clear set of requirements. Once you are able to determine the features you want in a software solution, the choice becomes much easier. At Aciron, we have extensive experience helping clients select software for their business, which involves an in-depth phased approach that you can read more about on our Software Selection services page. If you are not pursuing direct consulting help at this time, we've decided to write up this brief article to provide an overhead view of selecting the right software for you.

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Aciron infographic pros and cons of COTS

Custom Software

Explore common types of custom software below.

Data management system

The first type of custom software that we are going to be discussing is a data management system. There are many COTS systems that may be able to handle the data management needs of a wide range of organizations. However, under certain circumstances, a custom solution may be the best option. By creating a custom database, you are able to include features that are relevant to your organization. An online and user-friendly database will also allow you to pull reports and share information with relevant internal and external stakeholders. This centralized location will eliminate the use of multiple spreadsheets. Ultimately, a custom data management system can provide many benefits that will help eliminate inefficiencies in your business process.

Study management system

A custom study management system can help clinical research organizations better catalog their studies and operations digitally. In doing so, the system is able to effectively eliminate manual processes and the need for multiple spreadsheets. With a custom study management system, the need for paper is greatly diminished, which is helpful in our technologically advanced society. Through the system, you are able to include custom features, such as a section for patients and providers to share feedback, study status, or a calendar for scheduling visits. With a custom system, you can also create forms and reports that can be shared with restricted users. The options are truly endless.

Document management system

In certain cases, a basic, non-customized document management system may be enough for your business needs. However, there are many instances that would call for an individualized system. For example, in the legal industry, it is important to manage cases and client information, and these needs often extend beyond a regular management system. Additionally, a case management system may include a calendar to coordinate client meeting and deadlines, different folders to store client documentation, and a billing system to speed the process along. All of these unique features would call for a custom document management system.

Grant management system

Knowledge management system

The knowledge of a company is the backbone of the entire organization. Thus, it's important to not only keep this knowledge safe and secure, but also to manage it in a way that is conducive to the success of your business. With a custom system, you have the ability to store and share relevant information with all company employees as well as restricted employees. You also have the option to create the system in a way such that the department has a section to store and share files, calendars, and other information within the department. While the capabilities of a regular knowledge management system may provide basic features, a custom system takes this process to the next level.

Custom Software, Bottom Line

Considerations

When choosing a COTS, your users will most likely have to change their workflows to adapt to the new system. If your organization already has strict workflows, modifying current workflows may significantly impede on existing processes. A custom solution can be a great way to streamline processes through workflow automation. As a result, a custom software is probably the best solution for your business, but it's always recommended to consult with a professional who has the expertise in business and technology consulting to help you make this important decision.

Planning for the future

When designing your custom software, you can plan for future growth while resting assured that the system will also meet your current needs. Custom softwares are highly adaptable, which means that you aren't bound to strict regulations or roadblocks. Additionally, a custom software provides the option to incorporate additional development features, such as updates and enhancements, to make sure the software meets both your present and future needs. Without a custom software, it is almost impossible to ensure that the solution will be scalable. Thus, you may be searching for a new system in just a few years.

Decide on COTS:

If you saw a product that could work for you: While you were researching or trying out a demo, you may have come across a product that catches your interest. If you liked the way a product works, and it will suit the needs of end users, then choosing a COTS may be the right solution. Additionally, an existing product gives you an exact visual and representation of the final product.


If you are looking for an immediate solution in your software selection: If time is of the essence, then choosing a COTS may be the best solution. It can take months to develop a custom software solution. Before the project even starts, there is usually a requirements gathering session to identify pain points. Then, there is the process of implementing feedback to ensure the solution will meet the end users’ requirements.

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How to turn data privacy into success

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How to turn data privacy into success

In a recent Forbes article, the estimated amount of damages from a cyber security breach will exceed $6 trillion. Unfortunately, half of the attacks are towards small businesses. Why would hackers target small businesses when they likely have less data then larger ones?

Well, small businesses often lack the resources and in-house expertise needed to implement a security plan. It is important to regularly reassess, regardless of where your company’s security strategy stands. For example, ask yourself how it stacks up against the constantly changing cyber security environment and take the extra time to create precautions. In the future, this will make your business structure more at ease and ready for any potential break-ins. Read below how to get those precautions in order.

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Improve network security

Make sure your firewall and antivirus programs are comprehensive and up to date. However, if your company has a bring-your-own device policy, extend these protective measures to all devices. In addition, make sure any passwords for essential sites have all requirements and are changed periodically to avoid hacking.

Disaster recovery

Backups are important. Subsequently, you can recover data easily if an attack occurs. You need to regularly perform backups and store them in a secure location. Above all, you should be prepared to further ramp up security in the event of an attack. In other words, develop a plan to head off future attacks. Overall, make sure to reassess your security gaps. Once these gaps dissappear, you can look forward to having a sense of satisfaction.

Data life-cycle management

Identify how long you will store data and how you will securely destroy outdated data. Don’t forget to inventory any data that is stored in paper files, as physical documents are still at risk for being compromised, lost, or stolen. If you are moving to a digital document management system, have a plan for how to deal with the original paper copies. For instance, where do they go once they have been migrated to a digital system? Losing track of data migration is a big mistake that can be made. A priority that should be at the forefront of a business is making sure there are no outstanding files that could be left untouched. Even if the documents are old, convert them to your current system just to be safe.

Mitigate human error

Moreover, data breaches are not limited to outside attacks. Many are caused by simple human error. The loss of an unencrypted device or an accidental data leak could pose just as much of a threat as a team of hackers. Prevent errors by educating employees about security protocols. In addition, implement safeguards that make it difficult to make costly mistakes. The more informed your staff is on the danger of weak security, the better protected you will be. Set up quick meetings or add it to your onboarding routine, it will be worth it.

These tips will help you reassess your data privacy strategy and set you up for success. For example, there are strong security tools such as VPNs and antivirus to protect your data privacy.

It is, however, recommended to educate yourself regularly about cyber security. Further, keep yourself up to date with the security requirements of the age. In addition, if you are looking to transform the way you manage your data, consider recruiting an expert.

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