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Open Source vs. Closed Source

How much freedom does your software need?
October 15, 2026 by
Open Source vs. Closed Source
Landitec GmbH


Open Source vs. Closed Source: 

How much freedom does your software need?


Features? Check. Price? Check. Usability? Check. Support? Check.
At first glance, choosing software seems fairly straightforward. But what happens when requirements change? How flexibly can the system be adapted to your own processes? Who decides on further development? And what happens if, at some point, the provider no longer fits with your own strategy?

This is precisely where it’s worth taking a closer look at the difference between open source and closed source. After all, choosing software isn’t just about what it can do today. It’s also about how much freedom and flexibility it will still offer tomorrow.
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When the software doesn’t fit your own processes


Every business operates differently. And so, sooner or later, the question almost always arises: “Couldn’t we customise this a little more?”

With closed-source software, the answer depends on the options the manufacturer has provided. APIs, interfaces, configuration options or extensions may allow for customisation. However, if a desired function is not provided for, it can quickly become difficult, expensive or even impossible. With open-source software, the accessible source code generally offers more scope for customisation and further development – provided that the relevant licence permits this and the necessary technical resources are available.

e basic idea is simple: the software should be able to adapt to your own processes as much as possible – and not the other way round.


How much does software really cost?



When it comes to costs, it’s also worth looking beyond the initial price. With closed-source software, there are often licence, user, server or ongoing SaaS costs. Depending on the model, updates, maintenance and manufacturer support may already be included or governed by contract. With open-source software, depending on the licence model, there are often no traditional licence costs for the software itself. However, ‘free’ does not automatically mean ‘cost-free’. Here, too, costs may arise for implementation, customisation, maintenance, development or support, for example.

It is therefore not just the question ‘How much does the software cost?’ that is crucial, but rather: ‘What does the total cost consist of – and what services do we actually need?’

The long-term perspective also plays a role: What are the implementation costs? How high are the running costs? How complex are customisations? And how much freedom does a company have to decide who manages and further develops the software?

Ultimately, the overall package should be considered – not just the price quoted in the initial offer.


And what happens if the manufacturer stops developing the software?


The more closely a company is tied to a particular system, the more complex a subsequent switch can become. Data must be migrated, interfaces rebuilt and processes adapted. Staff must get used to a new system. What starts out as a seemingly simple software change can quickly turn into a major project. This dependence on a provider is often referred to as ‘vendor lock-in’.

Open source can offer greater independence in this regard. As the source code is accessible, other service providers or developers can – depending on the specific project and the licence – maintain, adapt and further develop the software. This does not automatically mean that switching is always easy. However, companies generally have more options for becoming independent of a single provider.


And what happens if the manufacturer stops developing the product?

 

A question that, at first, sounds like an extreme scenario. For companies using IT systems over the long term, it is nevertheless relevant. What happens if a product is discontinued? If support ends? If the manufacturer’s strategic direction changes? Or if the provider disappears from the market?

With closed-source software, further development depends largely on the manufacturer. Without access to the source code, a company cannot simply take over the software itself and continue developing it independently. With open-source software, the situation is fundamentally different. The accessible source code enables – depending on the licence, project and community – other developers or companies to further develop, adapt or maintain the software. This aspect can play a particularly important role in the case of solutions that have been part of a company’s IT infrastructure for many years.


Choosing software is a strategic decision

Open source or closed source is therefore by no means just a technical question.

It is also about:

·       Adaptability: How well can the software be adapted to our own processes?
·       Costs: What costs are incurred over the entire life cycle?
·       Independence: To what extent are we tied to a single provider?
·       Further development: Who decides on features, updates and the roadmap?
·       Future-proofing: What happens if requirements or providers change?

Closed-source software can certainly be the right solution – for example, when professional vendor support, clearly defined features and contractually agreed services are the priority. On the other hand, anyone who values maximum control, customisability and independence should take these aspects into account right from the start when selecting software. After all, software is not a short-term purchase. It often forms the basis for processes, data and day-to-day work for many years to come.

The crucial question is therefore not only what a piece of software can do today, but also what a company will still be able to do with it tomorrow.


scope7: Open-source solutions for firewalls and networks

scope7 demonstrates how open source can be utilised in a professional IT environment. The hardware appliances can be combined with various open-source solutions – for example, with OPNsense or pfSense® for firewalls and network security, Proxmox VE for virtualisation, or flexiWAN for site-to-site networking.

The advantage: businesses can select the software that best suits their requirements and combine it with compatible hardware. The appliances are supplied pre-installed with the desired software and fully tested. This simplifies commissioning and creates a flexible basis for customised network environments.

Open source does not mean having to do without professional hardware or support. The key lies in the interplay between open-source software, suitable hardware and a reliable operational concept.


Would you like to find out more about scope7 and the possibilities offered by open network solutions?

👉 Discovery scope7