Proprietary software is owned by an individual or a company (usually the software's publisher), where the owner retains exclusive rights to the software, including the source code, which is typically not shared with the public.
Users are granted a licence to use the software under specific conditions set by the owner, which often include restrictions on copying, modifying or redistributing the software. This type of software is also known as closed-source software.
In the context of Digital Asset Management (DAM), proprietary software solutions are often chosen for their robust features, dedicated support and regular updates provided by the vendor—but there are some key considerations and limitations you need to be aware of.
Proprietary software limitations
The cost of proprietary software licensing can be significant, especially for large organisations with extensive digital asset collections. Additionally, reliance on a single vendor for updates and support can pose risks if the vendor discontinues the product or goes out of business. Organisations must weigh these factors against the benefits of using a proprietary DAM solution, such as the potential for enhanced security, specialised features, and professional support services.
Proprietary vs open-source DAM: key differences
Unlike proprietary software, open-source software is distributed with its source code and can be freely used, modified and shared.
ResourceSpace was founded with open source values, and we often work with our users to develop custom features and integrations to support their specific needs, something proprietary DAM vendors can’t (or won’t) do.
The choice between proprietary and open-source software depends on an organisation's specific needs, resources and strategic goals.