Introduction

Why is Formbricks open source?

A lot has been written on why open source software beats proprietary software in all aspects - except for value capture for the company investing into its development. While this definitely poses a challenge for a profit-oriented organisation, it's also an interesting opportunity: Due to the open nature of our platform, it's usage is significantly higher. Capturing a small part of the value our platform generates translates into a decently-sized business.

Advantage	Open Source Software	Proprietary Software
Data Privacy	Self-host for maximum control over data	Dependent on thrid party data processor.
Cost	Often free or significantly lower cost.	Typically requires a purchase or subscription.
Customizability	Code can be modified to meet specific needs.	Limited customization, restricted to developer's features.
Security	Frequent community reviews identify vulnerabilities quickly.	Security updates depend on vendor's schedule and interest.
Flexibility	Supports a wide range of applications and integrations.	Designed for specific environments and integrations.
Community Support	Large, active communities offer free support and resources.	Paid customer support with limited community help.
Innovation	Fosters rapid innovation through community contributions.	Innovations depend on vendor's vision and development team.
Licensing	Permissive licenses allow broad usage and modification.	Strict licensing with limited redistribution rights.
Independence	Not dependent on a single vendor or developer.	Vendor lock-in can limit future choices.
Transparency	Full visibility into the code base and development.	Closed-source, code is hidden from users.
Interoperability	Supports open standards, ensuring interoperability.	Often requires additional software or plugins for compatibility.