Commercial Programs

COMMERCIAL PROGRAMS/SOFTWARE

Subject: LIS-20B

Junavie Rona S. MarcellanaReporter

•Commercial software, or seldom pay ware, is computer software that is produced for sale or that serves commercial purposes. Commercial software can be proprietary software or free and open source software.

•Any software that must be purchased to be used.

For example, a user must purchase Microsoft Windows XP to use it. The complete opposite of a commercial software program would be freeware.

• Alternatively referred to as free software, freeware is software that is made available 100% free as long as it remains un-modified. The complete opposite of freeware is commercial software. Unlike open-source software, freeware cannot be modified and is often only licensed to be used by non-commercial users.

•Computer software comes in three different flavors:•Freeware•Shareware•Commercial software

• Freeware is free to use and does not require any payment from the user.• Shareware is also free to use, but typically limits the program's features or the amount of time the software can be used unless the user purchases the software.• Commercial software requires payment before it can be used, but includes all the program's features, with no restrictions or time limits.

• Commercial software programs typically come in a physical box, which is what you see displayed in retail stores. While it's true that the software boxes are not as big as they used to be, they still contain the software CD or DVD and usually a "getting started" manual along with a registration key used for registering the product.

• Most commercial software programs ask that the user register the program so the company can keep track of its authorized users. Some commercial software programs, such as newer versions of Microsoft and Adobe programs, require the user to register the programs in order to continue using them after 30 days.

• While most commercial software programs are sold in the physical box, many software titles are now available as downloads. These downloads are typically made available from the company's website. The user pays for the program directly on the website and instead of receiving the software in the mail, the user downloads it to his computer.

• Another popular way of purchasing commercial software online is simply paying for a registration key, which unlocks the features of a shareware program. This upgrades the shareware program to the commercial version, which removes any feature limitations from the shareware version.

What is the Difference Between

Commercial and Open Source?

•When evaluating technology used for your website, there are many factors to consider. One of the biggest decisions you may face is whether to use commercial or open source technology.

• The first one (LAMP) is based on open source technologies without licensing costs: Linux operating system, Apache Web server, MySQL database, and PHP programming language.

• The second choice is commercial software (Microsoft or WISA), which requires the purchase of several additional software licenses:  Microsoft Windows operating system, IIS web server, Microsoft SQL Server database and ASP .NET programming language.

• Before we compare the two more closely, it is important to understand the fundamental differences between open source and commercial software.

• Commercial systems are created and supported by for-profit companies (e.g., Microsoft) that typically sell licenses for the use of their software and that are driven by maximizing profits.

• Open source systems are overseen by dedicated communities of developers who contribute modifications to improve the product continually and who decide on the course of the software based on the needs of the community.

• Cost of ownership is one of the biggest factors in deciding whether to use open source or commercial software. Open source software is generally free or has low-cost licensing options. Commercial software, on the other hand, requires purchasing a license.

The Case for Commercial Technologies. Microsoft Web Stack and a commercial CMS can be a good choice for your organization if the underlying platform (e.g., Microsoft-based technologies) meshes well with other software already used by your organization. For example, if many other solutions utilized by your organization are Microsoft-based, it may be a good idea to stay with a CMS that integrates well with other solutions by Microsoft.

• Commercial or proprietary software also equates to better support and typically offers a robust suite of features right out of the box. If your organization’s needs are very well planned and documented, your IT favors Microsoft products and commercially supported software, and the up-front budget for software licensing is not a significant concern, then Microsoft web stack and commercial CMS may be a good option for you.

• The Case for Open Source Technologies. If your organization doesn’t have a specific technology or marketing roadmap in place, but requires a website with virtually unlimited customization possibilities, a custom solution based on LAMP may be a better choice.

• This solution provides the latitude to modify the website to accommodate the company’s changing needs.

• Another benefit of the open source approach is that you don’t have as many limitations on future website expansion and customization, and you can continue improving your website “as you go.” In addition, you are not tied to a single web developer using the open source approach, which gives you the flexibility for further development and web partner selection.

• Because open source solutions are supported by communities of volunteers, your initial cost may be lower with this choice, but you will most likely need to budget for technical resources to maintain it over time. With a limited budget, however, your financial resources are better directed toward the best possible website as opposed to acquiring licenses and paying mandatory fees for updates.

EXAMPLES

• Mandarin by Mandarin Library AutomationMandarin announces the release of M5, a modern online catalog, fully web based, and the first of many updates in development. Like previous versions of Mandarin, M5 provides access to library resources from any workstation, at the library or remotely. M5 helps single libraries, libraries with multiple sites and school districts lower costs and save time with one-point installation, maintenance and updates.

• ResourceMate by Jaywil Software DevelopmentResource Library Software designed for Churches, Synagogues, Schools, Non-profits, Museums, Prisons, Professionals, Corporations, etc.

• Alexandria by COMPanionAlexandria library software efficiently manages libraries and gives your patrons the ability to search your catalog from anywhere.

• Koha ILS by LibLimeOpen-source integrated library automation systems steered by a growing community of libraries to achieve their goals.

• L4U by SRB Education SolutionsProvides superior library management software that is easy to use, innovative, and responsive to our customers' needs.

•https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commercial_software July 31, 2016 6:05pm•http://techterms.com/definition/commercialsoftware July 31, 2016 6:30pm•http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/commsoft.htm July 31, 2016 6:40pm•http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/f/freeware.htm July 31, 2016 6:41pm•http://www.intechnic.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-commercial-and-open-source/ August 2, 2016 6:43pm.•http://www.capterra.com/library-automation-software/ August 2, 2016 10:17pm.

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