RAD (rapid application development) tools to modify source VS. open source

Open source software, also known as shared source, source available, source viewable and open box, began as software created by a community of people who are dedicated to working together in a highly collaborative and evolutionary way. '

Open source software is usually released with source code under a license that ensures that derivative works will also be available as source code, protects certain rights of the original authors, and prohibits restrictions on how the software can be used or who can use it. It embodies software development methodology founded on the virtues of collaboration, incremental evolution, and working code. What does this all mean in the real world? For software users who have the skills to download and install software, open source means choice and freedom. The choice comes from the huge amount of programs available. Some programs like Firefox (the smoking-hot browser from Mozilla.org) or OpenOffice.org (a suite of word processing, spreadsheet, and related programs) can be downloaded and used by just about anybody. Other open source projects such as Babeldoc or Axkit are mostly useful for software developers.

Most open source software does not need to be purchased. '

Some programs charge subscriptions for support, updates, documentation, or premium versions, but most of those are usable without paying a fee. The freedom comes from the fact that the source code is available. If you want to change something, then you can, if you have the right skills. Really, only a handful of the people who download and use open source ever actually change it. Most use it as is, but they do have the freedom to modify it if they want.

There are some drawbacks to the open source model, however. '

Features users might think are important or even critical might never be added. Many projects are run by one person, the writer of the program. Bugs don't always get fixed. The programs tend to be slow and boated, due to the overload of "features" built in to the applications. There are often many different versions of the same application, and some applications are rewritten without much regard to incompatibility with the previous version. Lack of hardware support and poor documentation add to the list. Having the code available to the general public makes it more vulnerable to hackers who can potentially exploit businesses.

What about other options for collaborative development and modifiable software? '

Cutting edge software providers are now offering configured applications, built collaboratively, with the use of rapid application development tools (RAD). These tools enable enterprises to accelerate the process of building, customizing and deploying business software applications, using a revolutionary new paradigm that eliminates wasted time and repetition from the development cycle. Even more exciting is that some software providers are opening up the use of these development tools to their customers, to empower them to modify and evolve the software applications as they desire. This method of software delivery offers several advantages over the open source model.
There is a company to provide support if needed.
A provider can provide new functionality, other applications and integration.
Source code is not available to the general public.
Shorter developement time and time to implementation.
Enables a higher degree of agility and flexibility.

Due to the nature of these RAD tools, fast, collaborative, agile software development between providers and clients is becoming more and more commonplace. '

These tools consist of interfaces to easily build and modify software interface screens, tables and code for rapid, simplified development. They allow enterprises to smoothly and rapidly customize solutions and streamline business processes through fast, cost-effective integration of diverse applications, systems and databases. The software developers offering these toolsets usually offer a short training course for the person or persons who will be modifying the system.

This diverging path of software application development - rapid application development along with tools for users to modify the software - may prove to be even more revolutionary than the open source agenda.