Open source vs. SaaS: Cooperation instead of competition

Brands can have it all. Embracing Composable Digital Experience Platforms offers the flexibility to innovate rapidly and outpace the competition.

For years, a debate has raged between open source software (OSS) and software as a service (SaaS): which is better? Each has its perks. Businesses often have to choose between ready-to-go functionality and the ability to customize extensively. But why not enjoy the best of both worlds?

Understanding open source and SaaS

The term “open source” was officially coined in the late 1990’s, championing a philosophy of transparency, community-driven development, and freedom from vendor lock-in. This approach allows anyone to view, modify, and distribute the code, fostering innovation and rapid problem-solving. Today, open source projects like Linux, Apache, Drupal, and WordPress exemplify the power of this collaborative model, driving a significant portion of the world’s software infrastructure.

Open source software is highly customizable and gives you control over your data. It’s not tied to a single tech provider. WordPress, for example, has evolved far beyond blogging. It’s estimated that WordPress powers over 43% of the web and is used by major players like Disney and even the White House.

SaaS, on the other hand, offers quick setup, scalability, and a low initial cost. However, it can lack customization options and innovation. With SaaS, you’re limited to the features the platform provides. When everyone has access to the same features, it’s tough to stand out. Plus, customization often comes with additional costs on top of existing licensing fees.

The real issue: Digital strategy

The real challenge isn’t choosing between open source and SaaS, but having a solid digital strategy. Often, Marketing and IT departments clash, each pushing for the technology they prefer without understanding their common goals. Instead of chasing the latest tech, it’s crucial to focus on what the Marketing team needs to work efficiently and what customers want. This information will guide better technology decisions that integrate seamlessly.

For example, a marketing team at a growing startup decides that they want to enhance their website’s user experience and drive more organic traffic. Instead of opting for a one-size-fits-all SaaS solution, they decide to go with an open source content management system. This choice allows them to customize their site extensively, integrating various plugins tailored to their specific needs, such as SEO tools, analytics, and social media integration.

By leveraging the flexibility of open source software, they can continually adapt their website to changing marketing strategies and customer preferences without being constrained by the limitations of a proprietary platform. This not only meets their immediate needs but also positions them for long-term scalability and innovation.

Blending open source and SaaS

The best approach combines the creativity and innovation of open source software with the scalability and functionality of SaaS. By using open source as a hub, you can integrate it with necessary SaaS platforms to provide a seamless, consistent customer experience across all devices. Businesses that master this blend are well-positioned for long-term success.

That same marketing team at the startup could use WordPress as their open source hub for the website, benefiting from its extensive customization options. They can then integrate it with a SaaS platform like Salesforce for customer relationship management and marketing automation.

This combination allows them to create a highly personalized user experience on their website while utilizing Salesforce’s powerful tools for managing customer data, running targeted marketing campaigns, and analyzing performance metrics. The seamless integration between WordPress and Salesforce ensures a consistent and engaging experience for users across all touchpoints, enabling the team to innovate quickly and stay ahead in a competitive market.

Composable DXPs: The future

This cooperation of open source and Saas has created the era of Composable Digital Experience Platforms (DXPs). What is a Composable DXP and why is it the future? A DXP, as Gartner defines it, is an integrated set of technologies designed to engage audiences across a wide range of digital touchpoints. It goes beyond just content management or a brochureware site, by incorporating elements like eCommerce, customer relationship management, and analytics. A DXP allows businesses to create, manage, deliver, and optimize digital experiences more seamlessly.

A Composable DXP takes this a step further. Instead of relying on a monolithic platform, it uses a modular approach, enabling businesses to select and integrate the best tools for their specific needs. This means you can combine the flexibility and customization of open source software with the robust functionality of SaaS solutions. This modularity allows for rapid innovation, adaptability, and scalability, allowing your digital strategy to evolve with your business.

This blend is not only the preferred path for marketers, but for developers as well. Technical architects love to use Laravel. It is a PHP framework that has gained immense popularity due to its elegant syntax, robust features, and active community support. It allows them to build web applications quickly and efficiently, with features like built-in authentication, routing, and an expressive ORM (Eloquent) for database management.

Brands can have it all

At Crowd Favorite we have been delivering solutions, like the examples shared above, to Enterprise organizations for more than a decade. Brands like Disney, Nvidia, and Janus Henderson have seen up to 30% cost savings compared to monolithic solutions. By prioritizing their marketing goals and use cases, they were able to choose SaaS technologies that integrated seamlessly with open source software. This approach allows them to innovate rapidly, increase ROI, and invest in new technologies, like AI. All of this together sets them apart from the competition.