77 Open Source Replacements for Expensive Applications

[securitybreach]

For several years now, Datamation has compiled an annual list of open source software projects that can replace very expensive software. In years past, the prices for the proprietary software generally climbed from year to year, but this year, we noticed a major change.

 

Much of the software that has a reputation for being very expensive has switched to a software as a service (SaaS) pricing model, which looks less expensive because it's based on a monthly subscription rather than a flat fee. (Whether it's actually less expensive depends on a number of factors.) In addition, some proprietary software actually decreased in price in this year, and at least one "expensive" software package we've featured in the past is now available for free.

 

These lower prices are good news for application users. However, many still find open source software to be a better deal overall when they compare it to proprietary software. In some cases, the lack of licensing costs gives open source software a lower total cost of ownership. In others, the open source alternatives offer features that provide a better match for the user's needs, and sometimes users want the flexibility to be able to customize the source code themselves.

 

If you're considering purchasing software with a particularly high price tag, you may want to compare it to one of the open source alternatives on our list before purchasing. Note that not every open source replacement has exactly the same features as the comparable proprietary software listed, but they are designed to accomplish the same tasks.

 

As always, if you'd like to add an open source application that you think should have been on our list, please make a note in the comments section below......

 

 

http://www.datamatio...ications-1.html

[abarbarian]

Looking at the paid for prices I always wonder why folks do not use the free stuff more.

[Guest LilBambi]

There are sometimes compatibility issues depending on the network structures around it.

[Hedon James]

true Bambi, but if more folks used the less expensive Open Source alternatives, I'm willing to bet the network structure/compatibility issues would be addressed. Catch 22...

 

I use a CAD program called Draftsight for simple sketching to scale and square footage calculations. It's free (as in $, but perhaps not OpenSource?) and it performs wonderfully for what I need CAD software to do. Considering the price of AutoCAD ($4,000+?!!!!!), I would be willing to put up with a LOT of issues (jeez, I hope I didn't just jinx myself?) before I threw $4,000 at a problem; which MAY not be solved by that $4,000. Fortunately for me, there appear to be several very inexpensive alternatives to potentially solve a problem before I get my wallet out.

 

Also fortunately for me, this seems to apply to ALL my software choices on Linux! I LOVE that!!!!

[securitybreach]

Actually draftsight is available on Archlinux:

 

 

and other distros:

 

 

http://www.3ds.com/p...oad-draftsight/

 

It is not opensource but it is available for linux.

[Hedon James]

yep, that's what I use on my Ubuntu desktop. it wasn't on the list of 77 OpenSource replacements, so I guessed it was proprietary. but it's definitely available on linux...and windows...and mac! My favorite breed of all...cross-platform!!!

[Pete!]

Be cautious, and look at the reviews, before you download just anything from this list.

They recommended "PDFcreator". It works as advertised, but comes with a (not optional) "toolbar", that some reviewers consider malware.

It can be uninstalled later without affecting the program...but....

IMHO: Borderline

[sunrat]

Good list, but it doesn't include some of the best audio software such as Ardour.