choosing the right cms - proprietary vs open source (part 2)

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part 2: Open Source

The Great

The good of using an open source CMS (like WordPress or Drupal) is pretty much the opposite of the bad about proprietary: Flexibility. Open source CMS are by far the most flexible of the two major categories. The reason for this is pretty simple and is implied in the name - open source. Essentially open source implies that the entire platform (and code) is open to the public and more importantly developers. This is why there is so much development for the platform. It's free and available and super easy to use. 3rd party support for Drupal and WordPress is 2nd to none and almost every eCommerce tool, SEO tool, advertising tool, and marketing tool has a plugin for WordPress. There is endless amount of compatibility for open source platforms and it's only growing and evolving as more developers catch on and more companies use them.

The Good

The good of open source is the direct response to the major flaw in proprietary cms. It's all about support and the ability to change agencies without changing your website. If you're unhappy with the agency you're working with in anyway you'll be very happy that you purchased a website built with an open source CMS. Should you become unhappy, and would like to change digital agencies, you'll have a plethora of choices when you begin your search. There are hundreds/thousands of digital agencies out there that design and build in open source platforms giving you the flexibility to choose who you'd like to work with. On top of that, you can keep the website you built with your previous agency as the next one you choose will be familiar in the CMS you're using. This allows seamless transition from one agency to another WITHOUT having to completely rebuild your website. The advantages of this could not be overstated.

The Bad

The bad in open source platforms relates to security. Open source platforms like WordPress are some of the most widely used web platforms in the world. This makes them a prime target for hackers and other attackers attempting to steal your data, shut down your site, or install malware that could have devastating consequences for your business. Also, because the source code is public, new and innovative ways for hackers to gain access to your website are constantly developing. However, there is a silver lining! 

With the right digital partner, you can have the highest levels of web security while still using an open source CMS. Using a combination of best practices and server technology, you're open source website can be secure and safe from hackers and attacks. So the worst part of open source CMS can be completely mitigated. However, you must choose the right digital agency. Many agencies that work with open source platforms take little or no precautions when it comes to your site's security. This is an important question to ask your agency when deciding to build in an open source platform.

THANKS FOR READING:

Remember, choosing the right agency is crucial task. You need to evaluate the agency in a variety of ways, one of which is what CMS they are building in. This decision will have a profound impact on the effectiveness of the website as well as your satisfaction with the results. 

Check back soon, in the next part of this series we examine using Open Source CMS as a platform and all the pros and cons that go with!