We have been trying various open source software since they reduce the cost and time to deliver to customer. But one thing I have noticed is Open source is Not really that Open. It takes time to understand the coding pattern before applying the customization. Also its not guaranteed that you can do everything with open source which is possible through custom code. Sometimes I am skeptical to introduce open source to client due to above limitations. Do you still define open source a good move for internet?
Open source programming have some advantages like quick edit facility from any where without any IDE this helps me a lot for quick helping my clients . As far as Coding pattern is concern any good programmer can understand the code in few minutes of deep study (I mean the concept.).
This issue is NOT specific to open source projects. I have worked on proprietary projects and had to learn the architecture and software design. Any time someone works with a new platform or technology the resources have to become familiar with the solution. Are you referring to the license restrictions or functionality? If it is the license restrictions, have you ever read the licensing information of commercial products? You cannot do anything you want. If this is regarding functionality, it is not a true statement. Open source code is custom, do you think it came out of a Cracker Jack box? Do you really need to ask? I have made a career of providing custom solutions, but clearly understand the pros and cons of the open source model. http://tinyurl.com/mvbk3n. I support, contribute, and value the efforts of the open source community.
I still believe the custom made program is a quick start solution. because the developer needs to know only the language and database.. while in open source you need not only know the language and database but also you got to understand the whole structure of the site with existing database.
Choice depends on requirement, architecture and resources Even well made program/software needs time to design and architecture to reduce maintenance cost Custom made program is quick but You'r talking in terms of programmer who just write code and his work is done but not as a software developer Open source is good...if you are a good programmer/developer you can custom existing opensource code according to your needs... I worked on one opensource platform dspace.org you can check there are 500+ custom apps built on it and i integrated 3 different technologies/apps into it in less than 8 months