Custom CMS vs. Open Source: Pros and Cons

Web development heavily relies on Content Management Systems (CMS) in the digital world. CMSs allow individuals and businesses to manage and publish updated digital content efficiently. The decision between custom and open-source CMS often boils down to your budget and specific business needs. You can either choose on your own or seek guidance from a professional web development company.

In this article, we will examine the details of Custom CMS vs. Open Source and the Pros and Cons for your convenience.

Definition: Custom CMS and Open Source CMS

Custom CMS

A custom CMS is a completely fresh package developed according to the needs and demands of website owners. It offers a groundbreaking platform that can show you the best possible solution. However, you need to invest more to get all the good outcomes from a custom content management system. Examples: Sitecore, Kentico, Adobe Experience Manager.

Open Source CMS

An open-source CMS is a type of content management system that contains free source codes that are publicly accessible. As a result, you need not think about building this from scratch and possible additional investment from an open-source CMS. It’s because most of the time it offers a free platform. However, there’s a catch. Due to its collaborative nature, it lacks the space for greater customization which might frustrate many website owners. Examples of this CMS include WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, etc.  

Benefits and Drawbacks: Custom CMS and Open Source CMS

Before jumping into the final decision, we recommend you check out the diversified nature of both custom and open-source CMS. Below are the details of those for your convenience:

Pros of Custom CMS

If you are thinking of using a custom CMS platform then you will enjoy the following benefits:

Massive Diversification Opportunity

If you seek a fully customized content management system, consider a custom CMS platform in a broader sense. A Custom CMS can provide you with the best-tailored functions and features, with an opportunity to build every component from scratch. This CMS can enhance your business opportunity by providing your target users a unique experience with greater functionalities.  

Firm Grip on the System

Custom content management systems provide site owners with total possession and authority of their digital property. Businesses have complete control over the architecture, style, and functionality of their websites using significant CMS systems. In other words, it is not a system where specific functions may be limited by licensing agreements.

Greater Safety

One of the most prominent merits of custom CMS is its outstanding security features. Security issues can become a significant concern while developing CMS. From the beginning, a custom CMS solution includes strong security features. Bespoke CMS platforms can be secured against certain dangers. Additionally, these can guarantee an increased degree of security than open-source mediums.

Cons of Custom CMS

Despite providing the above advantages, you need to think about the following drawbacks of custom CMS too:

Cost Issue

You should consider the cost issue before adopting a custom CMS solution. As an entirely new platform, a custom CMS will require a considerable investment and detailed business plans for both the business owners and web developers. Please do it properly to avoid a massive downfall in the business's growth and survival.

Time-Consuming

A custom CMS also takes a lot of time to get ready for action. More precisely, it takes time for professional and experienced developers to comprehend the organization's needs. Also, its time-consuming nature may cause the system to begin slowly. Then again, it requires thorough testing to guarantee flawless operation.

Require Skilled Professionals

You may dream of building your customized content management system with a solid plan and significant investment. However, finding the right professionals to help you develop this CMS is tough. If you can’t manage it, you will need to depend on less experienced developers. Therefore, we recommend that you keep this drawback in mind before making any final decision.

Pros of Open Source CMS

Here, you will know what open-source CMS can offer for a new business owner who requires less effort to build his website:

Investment Friendly

If you are considering cost-effective CMS, an open-source platform will be the ideal choice. In most cases, these CMS software are available in free versions, offering standard customization and optimization tools. As a result, many startups and small businesses regularly prefer open-source CMS for its investment-friendly nature. 

Active Community

Open-source CMS has a dedicated community involved in its continuous development, making it more reliable and easy to use for beginners. Moreover, this community-oriented strategy certifies regular security updates, various ongoing enhancements, and bountiful plugins and themes created to increase the content management system's total functionality.

Greater flexibility

This CMS usually offers uninterrupted and faster performance than other platforms due to its flexible integration with different business natures. Furthermore, open-source CMS can manage greater traffic and blog material with more functionality as these are highly scalable.

Cons of Open Source CMS

Regardless of numerous benefits, an open-source CMS also retains some realistic disadvantages which are mentioned below:

Lack of Security

Open-source content management systems possess too many users globally. Also, it provides frequent security upgrades by the community, which is why they are not resistant to flaws. Due to publicly available source codes, these CMSs are more prone to face hacker exploitations and security loopholes.

Less Customization

One of the significant drawbacks of open-source CMS is its inability to provide extensive customization opportunities to its users. This happens because most users lack proper web development knowledge, but advanced customization requires extensive coding expertise.

Which One Would Fit You: Custom CMS or Open Source CMS?

You can choose between any option from Custom CMS and Open Source CMS. However, it's entirely your preference. Generally, if you are more concerned about time and budget, you need to consider open-source CMS. On the other hand, you can choose a custom CMS if you want to build your business website from scratch with extensive and sophisticated customization. Our recommendation is to seek professional help if you feel less confident or lack the necessary expertise in this matter.

Why Should You Depend on Glossy IT to Choose Between Custom CMS vs. Open Source CMS?

Glossy IT’s expert web development professionals regularly provides skilled and authentic services to our respected global clients on countless CMS issues. These extensive services range from selecting the best CMS for individuals according to their needs and preferences to developing a proper CMS platform from scratch or using different open-source platforms. Glossy IT will also provide you with effective consultation, scalability options, and budget-friendly plans to make your CMS choice easier.

If you want to know more, check our Web & CMS Development Service page

Finally, an open-source CMS offers a less complicated atmosphere where the framework is completely unbarred which ensures greater flexibility. On the other hand, a custom CMS will offer you limited access to your website’s backend which guarantees better security. So choose carefully what you need for your business growth. And, remember that you will be one step ahead if you take our 24/7 expert help on this matter.