I am the developer of SiteManPro Software (sitemanpro.com). Recently, one of the customers started a discussion about making the SMP free open source. ==> sitemanpro.com/forums/index.php?/topic/38-free-open-source-smp-option/ Since then I have been thinking hard about whether to go open source or not. There are both pros and cons about this option and so..I decided to take some feedback from the developers here who might have gone through the same dilemma. The PROs in my list are: 1. Huge instant audience 2. Huge developer support 3. New revenue sources - Premium themes, Premium support, Site Setups, Training / Webinars..etc etc, for both me and developers who would join. What is your take on this? Do you suggest such a software go open source? If yes, why? If no..why? Would you switch to SMP if it's FREE? TIA Deep
Yes i will willing to use this if its free coz now i using 3rd party paypal service to sell digital product. I strongly agree with you to go with open source,but in the same time,you can put some donate button at your site.
Open Source has excellent features, but what you are stating will only be provided if the software is excellent and well-written, because remember, thousands of people will want to use it (and they're your traffic generators). Revenue will be significantly lower, but you're making a big impact on the online society, by enabling the unfortunate to make excellent websites based on your software. It just makes pretty damn sense going open source. If money is your option, go paid. If you want to be known and potentially run a big brand, then go open source.