Open source packages

As can be seen from the overview of all online business platforms, there are also many open source packages. Open source has been on the rise in IT in recent years. For numerous applications from small to large, software packages are available that can be used basically for free. Of course, just because the package itself is free does not mean that the cost is 0. You still need hosting, and if you are not or do not employ an IT person yourself, you need to hire IT consulting for development & support.

Features Open Source

  • Freely available
  • Many plugins, themes and customization (online) available (note: plugins are not always free)
  • Entirely self-manageable
  • Self responsible for stability, backups, etc.
  • Possibly low cost
  • Easy to get into

Well-known packages

Almost all packages require a web server with PHP, which is also an open source web language. Although almost all packages are developed by English-speaking countries abroad, there are also many (plugin) developers in the Netherlands and iDeal integrations are always possible. Every package is actually suitable for an online business (in the Netherlands). On all sites you can also view demos of the back-end, you can choose a package that appeals to you the most there as well.

  • Magento

    Magento is one of the largest and best known open source packages. The possibilities are endless, in fact nothing is impossible with Magento because all is customizable. This makes the system besides complete also vulnerable: a layman, or not practiced programmer, can cause irreparable damage with a wrong update or wrong programming code. With magento, it is important to have a really good IT partner. There are also requirements for hosting: fast hardware is needed to make things run properly. If you want to customize a lot and have a large shop, Magento is a good choice. Magento also integrates with large enterprise ERP applications.

  • Woocommerce (Wordpress)

    Wordpress is currently the best known and most popular website CMS. Woocommerce is an (extensive) plugin that adds online business functionalities to Wordpress. However when considering detailed Wordpress & Woocommerce work, the package is not as mature and dedicated for online businesses like Magento. However, the learning curve is very small and you will spend little time on IT support, especially if you are already familiar with Wordpress. Woocommerce also has enough extensions for necessary customization.

  • Opencart

    Opencart is a little easier to install and configure as Magento. There are a little less options so setup and organization is a little easier. Also as an independent (IT) administrator it is a bit easier to oversee. In terms of SEO, this simpler approach has the consequence that there are fewer options.

  • Virtuemart (Joomla)
    Virtuemart is suitable if you already know or use a package like Joomla. Joomla is a widely used package for small sites up to large municipal sites. Actually it is as suitable as Wordpress for managing your site. Choose Virtuemart especially if you already know Joomla, or are/employ a developer familiar with Joomla.

Providers

The separation between SaaS (software as a service) and open source packages is not so easy to make in practice. Of all the above packages, managed service providers are also present in the market. You rent such a shop and pay a monthly fee for hosting, management and the like. The amount of support depends on the package you purchase.