Is Open Source The Best Route For Non-Profits? Topic is solved

[TuanAmith]

From previous experience, it seems to be that the only reason open source solutions, like a CMS, is great for a non profit is its zero price tag. But on the other hand, I don't know if this is the same with everyone, but there is no long term sustainability plan for it. Which sometimes makes the proprietary ASP (Application service provider) model more attractive. Is this the same with everyone? and if not how do you keep an open source CMS product sustainable?

[igeoffi]

A mix of open source and proprietary ASP is good. Use Open Source whenever there is a good Open Source option for it. You get better and free support and many more options. Use propritary ASP when there is no good Open Source option. You get what you need but it costs you a bit.

So basically, a mix is the best. Depends on what your project is and what your goals are.

[AmyStephen]

Here is a great resource entitled Choosing and Using Open Source Software: A Primer for Nonprofits to help you start considering that question. There has been a great deal written on this exact subject. Open source and non-profits tend to share similar goals, and for that reason alone, tend to make good partners. Foss4Us, IdealWare and The Digital Divide Network are all good resources.

You might also want to visit with Ryan Ozimek of PICnet for his perspectives. Ryan is a OpenSourceMatters board member and supporter of Joomla!.

Open source is not always without charge, either. The greater benefit is your organization's ability to be able to adapt it (or have it adapted) to fit your needs without licensing issues preventing this work.

Sustainability is measured by the dedication and support of contributors - those people are also the "community" you hear spoken of with open source and they are the ones who make it work. Networking with the community and contributing, yourself, will make the experience more valuable for your organization.

Hope that helps!
Amy