Proprietary GIS Software in the Age of Openness

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial software have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many businesses and organizations relying on them for critical decision-making processes. While proprietary software has long been the dominant force in this industry, the rise of free and open-source software (FOSS) has caused many developers to re-think their strategies and make changes to stay competitive.

The Challenges of FOSS

FOSS has several key advantages over proprietary software, including cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and the ability to modify the software to fit specific needs. These advantages have led to a growing community of FOSS users, and many developers have begun to explore FOSS as a viable alternative to proprietary software.

However, there are also several challenges associated with FOSS that developers must address in order to remain competitive. These challenges include:

  • Lack of support: FOSS is typically developed and maintained by a community of volunteers, which can make it difficult for businesses and organizations to get the support they need to effectively use the software.
  • Limited features: FOSS may not have all the features and capabilities of proprietary software, which can limit its usefulness in certain contexts.
  • Compatibility issues: FOSS may not be compatible with other software tools and systems, making it difficult to integrate into existing workflows and processes.
  • Training requirements: FOSS may require specialized training and expertise to use effectively, which can be a barrier for many businesses and organizations.

Addressing the Challenges of FOSS

In order to address these challenges and remain competitive, many GIS and geospatial software developers have taken a variety of actions. Some of the most common strategies include:

  • Embracing FOSS: Rather than seeing FOSS as a threat, some developers have embraced it and started incorporating FOSS technologies into their own products. This can help to address issues of compatibility and functionality, while also leveraging the benefits of FOSS.
  • Providing support: In order to address concerns about support, many developers have begun offering support services for their proprietary software products. This can help to ensure that businesses and organizations have the help they need to effectively use the software.
  • Investing in development: In order to stay competitive, many developers have increased their investment in software development. This can help to ensure that their products continue to offer the latest features and capabilities, while also addressing issues of compatibility and integration.
  • Focusing on niche markets: Rather than trying to compete with FOSS in all areas, some developers have focused on specific niches where their proprietary software can offer unique value. This can help to differentiate their products and ensure that they remain competitive in those specific areas.

Examples of Developers Tackling FOSS Challenges

Several GIS and geospatial software developers have already taken steps to address the challenges of FOSS and remain competitive in the industry. Here are a few examples:

  • Esri: Esri, one of the largest GIS software developers in the world, has taken a multi-faceted approach to addressing the challenges of FOSS. This has included investing in FOSS technologies like Python and contributing to FOSS projects like GeoJSON. They have also developed ArcGIS Online, a cloud-based GIS platform that offers a range of features and capabilities that are difficult to replicate with FOSS.
  • Autodesk: Autodesk, a leading provider of geospatial software, has embraced FOSS by offering support for FOSS technologies like OpenStreetMap and the PostGIS database. They have also developed Autodesk InfraWorks, a cloud-based GIS platform that offers advanced features like 3D modeling and visualization.
  • Trimble: Trimble, a provider of geospatial hardware and software, has invested heavily in the development of their proprietary software offerings. This has included the development of Trimble Connect, a cloud-based collaboration platform that integrates with other Trimble software products. They have also acquired several companies that offer complementary geospatial software solutions, allowing them to expand their offerings and remain competitive in the market.

    The Benefits of FOSS and Proprietary Software Integration

    While FOSS and proprietary software can be seen as competing approaches to GIS and geospatial software development, there are also benefits to integrating the two. FOSS technologies can offer cost-effective solutions for specific needs, while proprietary software can offer advanced features and capabilities that are difficult to replicate with FOSS. By integrating the two, developers can offer a more comprehensive suite of software tools that can meet a wider range of user needs.

    Additionally, FOSS can serve as a proving ground for new ideas and technologies that can later be incorporated into proprietary software offerings. This can help to keep proprietary software offerings on the cutting edge of the industry and ensure that they remain competitive over the long term.

    Conclusion

    The rise of FOSS has caused many GIS and geospatial software developers to re-think their strategies and make changes to remain competitive in the industry. While there are challenges associated with FOSS, including lack of support, limited features, compatibility issues, and training requirements, there are also strategies that developers can use to address these challenges. By embracing FOSS, providing support, investing in development, and focusing on niche markets, developers can remain competitive and offer users a comprehensive suite of software tools that meet their needs.

    The integration of FOSS and proprietary software can also offer benefits by allowing developers to offer cost-effective solutions for specific needs while also providing advanced features and capabilities that are difficult to replicate with FOSS. By taking a nuanced approach to software development that incorporates both FOSS and proprietary software, developers can ensure that they remain competitive in the GIS and geospatial software industry for years to come.

    References

    • Cheng, Y., & Zhu, X. (2018). Research on the development of FOSS GIS software. In 2018 2nd International Conference on Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE) (pp. 72-75). IEEE.

    • Foerster, T., & Jeske, T. (2017). The role of open source in geospatial software development. In Intelligent Decision Technologies 2017 (pp. 337-345). Springer.

    • Hsu, C. L., & Lin, J. C. (2019). An Exploratory Study of Open Source GIS Software Utilization. Sustainability, 11(17), 4704.

    • Jia, Y., Liu, C., Guo, J., & Yang, J. (2020). Analysis of Geospatial Software Development Based on Open Source Code. Applied Sciences, 10(2), 496.

    • Obe, R., & Hsu, L. (2018). PostGIS in Action. Manning Publications.

    • Yang, M., & Zhang, L. (2017). Study on the integration of open source software and proprietary software in GIS application. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 80, No. 1, p. 012021). IOP Publishing.

Suggestion for Citation:
Amerudin, S. (2023). Proprietary GIS Software in the Age of Openness. [Online] Available at: https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6387 (Accessed: 10 May 2023).

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