Choosing between open source and closed source software is a challenge that many business owners face. Each option offers its own advantages and drawbacks, which makes the decision less obvious. As the eCommerce market grows, making the right choice becomes increasingly important for SaaS platforms that want to stay competitive and scale effectively.
According to Statista, global eCommerce sales are projected to exceed $6.3 trillion by 2026. As a result, both order volumes and operational complexity will grow significantly, making software integrations even more crucial.
Moreover, research by the National Retail Federation shows that adopting an order management system can reduce operational costs by up to 15% and improve customer satisfaction by 16% . Thus, understanding the differences between open and closed source software is essential for making the right investment in your business's future.
#1 What is the Price Policy?
Open source software is often referred to as free, but there may still be costs for extra services like assistance, additional functionality, or added features. You may pay for these services, even with OSS.
Closed source software typically requires a payment. The costs vary based on software complexity. Although it might cost more, closed source software provides a higher-quality product, full support, and continuous innovation. Most companies also offer free trials, allowing users to test if the software meets their needs.
#2 How Secure are Open Source and Closed Source Software?
Security is a critical consideration when choosing between open source and closed source software. With open source software, the community can view, share, and modify the code. This transparency allows quick fixes, upgrades, and thorough testing of code after each release. However, the open availability of the code also presents opportunities for hackers to exploit it.
On the other hand, closed source software can only be fixed by the vendor. When issues arise, users must request support and wait for a response, which can take longer compared to open source software.
When choosing the most secure software, it's essential to understand that both open and closed source have their strengths and weaknesses. This often presents a challenge for businesses in specific industries.
#3 What About Source Code Availability?
Closed source software typically offers more robust support. With a paid plan, you can contact support and receive assistance within one business day in most cases. Support is well-organized and documented, ensuring a smoother experience for users.
Open source software, however, lacks this option. Support usually comes in the form of forums, community articles, or hiring an expert. This approach may not guarantee a quick or high-quality response, depending on the complexity of the issue.
#4 What About Source Code Availability?
Open source software allows users to modify the source code without restrictions. Users can innovate and benefit from contributions made by others within the community. This open model allows continuous improvement of the software, enhancing its capabilities.
In contrast, closed source software restricts access to the source code, meaning only the original developers can view or modify it. While this limitation may reduce the software's flexibility, it can contribute to greater security and stability.
#5 How Usable is Open Source vs Closed Source Software?
Usability can be a challenge with open source software. Often, user guides are written with developers in mind, not end-users, which makes them less accessible. Additionally, documentation may not conform to standard structures, making it harder for non-technical users to navigate.
Closed source software generally excels in usability. The documentation is typically well-organized, with clear and detailed instructions, making it easier for users to understand and get started quickly.
Best Examples of Open and Closed Source Software Shopping Carts
The market includes many open and closed source software shopping carts. However, the key difference between them lies in pricing and ownership control. Open source shopping carts are usually free to download and modify. In contrast, closed source platforms require a paid subscription or license.
With closed source software, you typically receive official customer support, structured documentation, and regular vendor-driven updates. On the other hand, open source platforms rely on community support. Although you may not get dedicated assistance, active developer communities often provide quick solutions through forums and repositories.
According to industry comparisons published by Top10eCommerceSiteBuilders , open source solutions stand out due to flexibility and scalability. Developers can customize every layer of the system. Moreover, businesses can scale without facing additional fees tied to revenue growth.
Closed source software, meanwhile, focuses on usability and fast deployment. As a result, non-technical users can launch stores more quickly. In addition, built-in hosting, security patches, and managed infrastructure reduce technical overhead.
Among open source shopping carts, Magento (Adobe Commerce) and OpenCart remain popular choices. Conversely, Shopify and BigCommerce represent leading closed source SaaS platforms.
Example: Retrieving Store Data via API
Regardless of whether a platform is open or closed source, developers often need structured access to store data. For example, using API2Cart's unified API, you can retrieve product or order data from 60+ platforms through a single integration. You can explore the official API documentation here: API2Cart API Documentation .
Below is a simplified example of a JSON response returned when retrieving order.info method:
{
'return_code': 0,
'return_message': 'string',
'result': {
'id': 'string',
'order_id': 'string',
'basket_id': 'string',
'channel_id': 'string',
'customer': {
'id': 'string',
'email': 'string',
'first_name': 'string',
'last_name': 'string',
'phone': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'create_at': {
'value': 'string',
'format': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'currency': {
'id': 'string',
'name': 'string',
'iso3': 'string',
'symbol_left': 'string',
'symbol_right': 'string',
'rate': 0,
'avail': true,
'default': true,
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'shipping_address': {
'id': 'string',
'type': 'string',
'first_name': 'string',
'last_name': 'string',
'postcode': 'string',
'address1': 'string',
'address2': 'string',
'phone': 'string',
'phone_mobile': 'string',
'city': 'string',
'country': {
'code2': 'string',
'code3': 'string',
'name': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'state': {
'code': 'string',
'name': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'company': 'string',
'fax': 'string',
'website': 'string',
'gender': 'string',
'region': 'string',
'default': true,
'tax_id': 'string',
'identification_number': 'string',
'alias': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'billing_address': {
'id': 'string',
'type': 'string',
'first_name': 'string',
'last_name': 'string',
'postcode': 'string',
'address1': 'string',
'address2': 'string',
'phone': 'string',
'phone_mobile': 'string',
'city': 'string',
'country': {
'code2': 'string',
'code3': 'string',
'name': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'state': {
'code': 'string',
'name': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'company': 'string',
'fax': 'string',
'website': 'string',
'gender': 'string',
'region': 'string',
'default': true,
'tax_id': 'string',
'identification_number': 'string',
'alias': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'payment_method': {
'name': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'shipping_method': {
'name': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'shipping_methods': [
{
'name': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
}
],
'status': {
'id': 'string',
'name': 'string',
'history': [
{
'id': 'string',
'name': 'string',
'modified_time': {
'value': 'string',
'format': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'notify': true,
'comment': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
}
],
'refund_info': {
'shipping': 0,
'fee': 0,
'tax': 0,
'total_refunded': 0,
'time': {
'value': 'string',
'format': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'comment': 'string',
'refunded_items': [
{
'product_id': 'string',
'variant_id': 'string',
'order_product_id': 'string',
'qty': 0,
'refund': 0,
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
}
],
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'totals': {
'total': 0,
'subtotal': 0,
'shipping': 0,
'tax': 0,
'discount': 0,
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'total': {
'subtotal_ex_tax': 0,
'wrapping_ex_tax': 0,
'shipping_ex_tax': 0,
'total_discount': 0,
'total_tax': 0,
'total': 0,
'total_paid': 0,
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'discounts': [
{
'code': 'string',
'value': 0,
'type': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
}
],
'order_products': [
{
'product_id': 'string',
'order_product_id': 'string',
'model': 'string',
'name': 'string',
'price': 0,
'price_inc_tax': 0,
'quantity': 0,
'discount_amount': 0,
'total_price': 0,
'tax_percent': 0,
'tax_value': 0,
'tax_value_after_discount': 0,
'options': [
{
'option_id': 'string',
'name': 'string',
'value': 'string',
'price': 0,
'weight': 0,
'type': 'string',
'product_option_value_id': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
}
],
'variant_id': 'string',
'weight_unit': 'string',
'weight': 0,
'barcode': 'string',
'parent_order_product_id': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
}
],
'bundles': [
{
'product_id': 'string',
'order_product_id': 'string',
'model': 'string',
'name': 'string',
'price': 0,
'price_inc_tax': 0,
'quantity': 0,
'discount_amount': 0,
'total_price': 0,
'tax_percent': 0,
'tax_value': 0,
'tax_value_after_discount': 0,
'options': [
{
'option_id': 'string',
'name': 'string',
'value': 'string',
'price': 0,
'weight': 0,
'type': 'string',
'product_option_value_id': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
}
],
'variant_id': 'string',
'weight_unit': 'string',
'weight': 0,
'barcode': 'string',
'parent_order_product_id': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
}
],
'modified_at': {
'value': 'string',
'format': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'finished_time': {
'value': 'string',
'format': 'string',
'additional_fields': {},
'custom_fields': {}
},
'comment': 'string',
'store_id': 'string',
'warehouses_ids': [
'string'
],
'refunds': [
{
This example demonstrates how developers can standardize data retrieval across both open and closed source shopping carts. Consequently, integration complexity decreases, while scalability improves.
Conclusion
Both open source and closed source software offer unique benefits and challenges. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your business needs, scalability goals, and available resources. We hope this article has clarified the differences and helped you make an informed decision.
If you're interested in integrating with eCommerce platforms, API2Cart provides the ideal solution. It offers a unified API that connects to over 60 shopping carts and marketplaces, including Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, OpenCart, PrestaShop, and more.
With API2Cart, integrating shopping platforms is easy.
Integrate once, save 4-8 weeks, and avoid the costs of managing separate connections.
Please fill in the form to download your document:
How to Integrate with Multiple eCommerce Platforms in Less than a Month
Discover how to establish a connection with multiple eCommerce platforms quickly.
Wait!
Before you go, download the guide on how to integrate with 60+ eCommerce platforms in less than a month!
Start a free trial with API2Cart today and unlock the power of seamless eCommerce platform integration!
Sign up for free and get started with over 60+ integrations.
FAQs
How does the Lazada Developer API improve integration?
The Lazada Developer API streamlines eCommerce integrations by providing a centralized, programmatic way to access key marketplace data, including orders, products, and inventory.
This approach helps software developers build scalable, efficient solutions that can seamlessly synchronize with Lazada and reduce development complexity.
What are the main advantages of using API2Cart for Lazada integration?
API2Cart offers a unified API, enabling developers to integrate with Lazada and over 60 other eCommerce platforms through a single interface. This significantly reduces the time and effort needed for building and maintaining separate connections.
It allows for better scalability, faster implementation, and reduces the overall complexity of handling multiple platform APIs.
How does API2Cart simplify the development process for SaaS providers?
API2Cart eliminates the need to develop individual integrations for each platform. Instead, developers can access multiple eCommerce platforms using one API, simplifying the development process and reducing the overall workload.
This makes it easier for SaaS providers to focus on their core features, while API2Cart handles the complexities of the integrations with Lazada and other platforms.
Can API2Cart help with cross-platform data management?
Yes, API2Cart enables SaaS platforms to manage product listings, orders, customer data, and more across various eCommerce platforms like Lazada, Shopify, and WooCommerce through a single API endpoint.
This centralization simplifies data management, enhances scalability, and ensures consistency across platforms, providing a seamless experience for developers and their clients.
