Open source is a development method for software that harnesses the power of the Web in a highly cost-effective way. Using a distributed workforce of like minded collaborators, open source projects often create amazingly good software that performs functions which, often, would not otherwise exist. The promise of open source is better quality, higher reliability, more flexibility, lower cost, and an end to vendor lock-in.Have you considered open source for your business? You should. Whatever the reason people have for building it, there is a lot of good, free software out there that can help your business cut costs, increase sales, and streamline work flow – if you educate yourself on where to look and which packages to select.
Open source software is not what you would expect. Just as Wikipedia (an open, collaborative encyclopedia) has become a standard reference source for most of us surfing the Web, a number of open source software packages have become ubiquitous, trusted tools used by anyone from a lone developer to the world’s largest corporations.
In order for us to help our clients keep their costs down, NuRelm staff is constantly scouring the Web for solid, dependable, easy-to-use open source software we can recommend. The only cost is for customization and integration into an existing Web site, which is much less than purchasing other software packages or building an application from scratch.
Whenever a client comes to NuRelm with a Web application project, the first thing we do is look for existing open source applications, rather than charging the client to “reinvent the wheel”.
One way to keep from paying too much for the software you need for your Web site is to do some research yourself on what’s out there. Simply go to the Google (or the search engine of your choice) and see what comes up in your search. NuRelm actually does this research, free of charge, for all our clients, but it’s still a good idea to familiarize yourself with the specific open source offerings available – especially if you are working with a Web application development/Web design firm that wants to charge you a small fortune to build a routine Web application from scratch. How do you know if you are asking for a routine Web application (interactive component of your Web site) that may have an “out of the box” solution that is cheaper than what the Web application firm in question may be proposing? Do some cursory research on the Internet yourself, or call NuRelm staff at (877) 268-7356 and we’ll tell you.
Liz Koller is an honors graduate of the Bradford School, where she graduated at the top of her class with a specialized business degree in Graphic Design Management.
Liz has extensive experience in Website Design and Development, Graphic Design, Typography, and Online Social Networking. She is an accomplished musician, and has worked in theater. In a prior position she worked as a set designer for a well known theatrical group.
Liz currently works as the Social Networking Manager for NuRelm, a PA-based Internet technology firm that specializes in high-traffic interactive websites, online marketing, and editable website hosting.