Open-source software or OSS represents a community approach to developing software where anyone can copy, modify and redistribute the source code without paying royalties or fees. This is opposed to commercial software vendors whose source code is not distributed, is treated as intellectual property and whose customers pay licensing and maintenance fees for the use of that software.   To get a better understanding of how freedom and flexibility can be achieved through OSS, the team here at NetSphere Strategies put...

As we here at NetSphere Strategies mentioned in a blog posted earlier this week, we will be looking at the options available to eCommerce businesses in a three-part series that addresses whether to buy, build or host your new site. For our second installment, we’ll focus on the pros and cons of buying a commercial eCommerce package.   Like the snowflake, no two eCommerce businesses are alike. And that’s why it’s important to weigh the odds to determine what’s best for...

An eCommerce site is only as robust as the platform that supports it. And as any online retailer knows, the cost of ownership for the latest and greatest eCommerce software doesn’t come cheap. In addition to the initial price tag, online merchants are hit with various charges along the way, such as those required to upgrade software and purchase additional licensing.   When a website reaches a certain amount of traffic, it’s normally cause for celebration. However, according to an article...