Open Source Software

SCIP websites are developed using open source software. We currently build websites using Drupal, WordPress and Joomla. These are based upon an open source language called php and a database called MySQL.

What is open source software?

Open source software can be defined as any computer software, generally developed as a public collaboration, whose source code is made freely available.

Why use open source software?

Its free – open source web software is free, although sometimes there is a small charge for specific plug-ins and website templates.  Proprietary web platforms are often expensive.

Public Collaboration – One of the major benefits of open source software is the public collaboration behind each project. Thousands of programmers collaborate upon open source software, adding new functionality and improving the code.

Many web design companies use a proprietary, or home built system as the framework for the websites they create. Open source software, such as WordPress and Drupal, were developed by thousands of talented developers.

Open source software is reliable and high quality because is reviewed by other users, so any problems are quickly discovered and ironed out.

You will not be bound to a single developer – since thousands of people are familiar with open source web development tools. If your current web developer can no longer look after your site, another developer is likely to be able to pick it up.

There are thousands of developers who are familiar with the software, so it should be easy to find a new developer.  

You can believe the claims – proprietary software forces its users to trust the vendor when claims are made for the software such as security, freedom from vulnerabilities, adherence to standards and flexibility in the face of future changes. If the source code is not publicly we have not way of checking these, so claims remain simply claims.

The source code for open source software is published to it is possible to have confidence in any claims that are made.

Is my website secure?

One of the most common questions asked about using open source software is about website security. If thousands of developers can view my source code, is my website safe?

Your site is secure! The website source code only contains the logic and functionality for your website. All usernames and passwords are safely stored on your server where no one can access them.

In addition, developers are always looking for security holes in the software, so if a problem is found it is quickly plugged with a software update.

Find our more

You can find out more about open source software from Lasa Knowledgebase