tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22055982.post115411852498201703..comments2024-03-29T02:21:43.791-07:00Comments on eLearning Technology: Where are open source learning applications?Tony Karrerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408035995182843336noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22055982.post-1154367226451920722006-07-31T10:33:00.000-07:002006-07-31T10:33:00.000-07:00It's interesting that you feel that an in-house su...It's interesting that you feel that an in-house supported open source application will have better service levels than an SaaS model. Given what I've seen in terms of in-house support for many applications, that's not the case. But, I don't have any actual data to back it up. Either way, you need to have some kind of SLA established (and think about what happens when it goes down).<BR/><BR/>I would agree with your general sentiment though. If you have good in-house technical expertise AND if they are available to maintain the open source application, then it can be a good option. But, those are often two really big IFs.<BR/><BR/>You are right that you can only do configuration of SaaS. Open source suggests a level of customization that is not possible with SaaS.<BR/><BR/>I'm guessing that we are 100% agreed that it depends on the situation.Tony Karrerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15408035995182843336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22055982.post-1154175945140390812006-07-29T05:25:00.000-07:002006-07-29T05:25:00.000-07:00SaaS solutions are great when you need something q...SaaS solutions are great when you need something quickly and without installation & maintenance headaches. On the other hand, I would recommend open source solutions when you have to depend on the application. With an installed open source app (and in-house expertise) you minimize the risk of the system going down. Open source scales better, too, because you can host it on your own hardware. With OS, you can look under the hood and tweek the system. This requires technical expertise but ensures more control.<BR/><BR/>Yes, SaaS is an excellent option, unless you need to own the application, and that's more of a business decision than a learning decision.Harold Jarchehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11462304722726586155noreply@blogger.com