How Small Business Owners Can Use Open-Source Code
Open-source code is a big part of the Web 3.0 revolution because it fits one of the key driving factors: collaboration. Open-source code is developed by several people (even thousands) working together to make a usable tool or program. Even when it’s finished, some of these same people (or others) can and will continue to improve on it for the goodness of all. Using open-source code can help you develop programs, tools, and even Web sites that can be used in your small business.
How to Leverage Open-Source Code
Step 1: Find what you’re looking for
What type of software are you looking for? Chances are that whatever you are looking for has some type of open-source code software out there. Go to www.Google.com and type in Open Source and then whatever software you’re looking for—for example, open source content-management system. See whether there is some raw code instead of an out-of-the-box solution. Here are some sites to get the code from:
Step 2: Evaluate the open-source programs out there before selecting one
As with physical software, there are typically many alternatives that accomplish the same thing. Do your research, and read the message boards, forums, and so on to choose the best software to manipulate.
Step 3: Get it going
Start using the software as is or hire a programmer to manipulate the code. Typically you are going to want to hire a programmer to help with the coding aspect to make the software even better and to suit your needs. Also bear in mind that many open-source programs can be used with no manipulation.
Here are some of my current favorite open-source software tools
• Firefox: The browser of choice for most.
• OpenOffice.org: Don’t want to give Microsoft any more money? Leverage OpenOffice.org and their suite of tools.
• Joomla: Among the best content-management systems available today.
• Drupal: This is another content-management system. Many programmers have been using Drupal to configure their entire Web sites and shopping carts.
• WordPress: This is the blogging platform of choice.We have developed more than 15,000 WordPress blogs and sites to date. We are also using a software tool called WishList Member to design WordPress member sites.There are hundreds of people all over the world constantly working on and making WordPress better and better.
• PortableApps: Plain and simple, this tool aims to make all your apps portable on a USB drive.You can carry all your favorite programs on a small device and use them on any computer!
• MediaWiki: Originally developed by Wikipedia, it allows for easy collaboration.
That’s it. Using open-source code is actually quite easy. With the growing number of people looking to use open-source code rather than purchasing traditional software, chances are you will find some type of open-source software tool already out there in cyberspace to leverage and/or improve on your needs!
About the Author: Michael Tasner, author of Marketing in the Moment is an avid entrepreneur, author, speaker, investor, and charity proponent who specializes in helping people achieve their dreams in life and goals in business. He founded Taz Solutions, Inc, in 2000, and has built it to a leading web marketing firm with more than 80 employees involved in in all areas of online/Internet strategy, marketing and design. He is author of several books, a certified Guerilla Marketing Coach, and key advisor to several Internet businesses. He has consulted on online marketing with nine Fortune® 1000 companies.
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Yeah.. totally agree with you in this point. Open source codes and softwares are real blessing and if they are available then we should prefer and encourage it. I have used firefox browser and found it better than IE. In case of Open Office I found it little bit difficult in user interface. Probably it was because of the fact that I am addicted to MS Office interface. WordPress is just excellent no doubt in it. Overall its pleasure to use these open office codes.
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Yeah i agree that Dru pal is another content-management system.
I read your entire post it is too good and I like this most your information is too useful for me,thanks for this sharing.
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I’m not sold on open source software but there are some interesting developments in the manner in which open source is marketed. One to keep an eye on.
I believe open source software will dominate in the future. The possibilities truly are endless, and the fact that it’s driven by genuine passion by those behind it, always makes an open source software much more of a genuine product.
Wordpress has completely dominated the blog community. Open source softwares are the best.
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Oracle recently announced that they’re abandoning support of OpenOffice, but fortunately, the developer community has already taken over the project. Check out LibreOffice.org. The current version is more or less identical to OpenOffice.
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Yeah i agree too that Dru pal is another content-management system.& I believe open source software will dominate in the future. The possibilities truly are endless..
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