RSS feed]po[ is the first full-scale Project-ERP solution build using the Open Source development process. Open Source implies:
But why should we (the founders of ]po[) "sell" our software in this way? Something must be wrong with this idea, or not? The secret is that Open Source software is considerably cheaper to produce then proprietary software. There are several important factors that contribute:
We don't need to employ an expensive salesforce, a marketing team etc., because the software is free. This costs represents some 20% - 35% of the price that you normally pay.
]po[ is build on the OpenACS platfrom and code from ArsDigita (now owned by RedHat). ArsDigita released this code under the GNU Publice License, allowing us to jumpstart our project. The original code still represents some 70% of ]po[, time and money that we have saved, compared to a propietary development. Also, we can use and copy code from competing project management systems.
There is a growing group of users or ]po[ who contribute to the development of the system without fee.
Finally, we (the founders) hope to earn a fair amount of money by providing professional services and support for our software. A quick and painless installation, professional training and a support contract increase your ROI.
