Are source codes cost separately in software development?

Question

I would like to ask your opinion with regards to source codes. I
know some of you are involved in software development, or somehow must have an idea on how things are being done in SD. The questions are:

First, are source codes already part of the overall cost of the
systems? Or is it priced separately from the running system? E.g. I contracted a SD company to develop a system for me. Once finished, is the company obliged to also provide me with the copy of the source code other than the running system itself? Or does it have to be stipulated in the contract that it is such?

Second and more importantly, if source codes are priced separately, how much does it cost (in Ph Peso)? Just an estimate guys, say for a payroll system?

Please just give me feedbacks as soon as possible as there are concerns and issues regarding this subject in my workplace.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Its really up to the developer, some folks that make free programs and software will have "open source" and the source files are readily available for download as well. Others will sell the source code for further profit. When I make a program for someone, they are buying the software...not the source. But its also contracted that they are a licensed user and not the software owner/creator. If they want that title, they must purchase the source code from me at 3x the software rate and I renounce my interests in the software and delete my source files after sending it to them. Again, those are MY terms and not a standard.

Answer 2

I am not a software developer, but I am not unfamiliar with the process. Source is usually not included when you buy software, as it is a valuable resource for the company.
There are exceptions, however, notably in the Unix world and in various open-source efforts. A thorough reading of the EULA and fine print will be educational.

If you contract with a SD company, you will get exactly what the contract stipulates, no more no less. So if you want source, stipulate that, but it will make the product much more expensive. For all they know, you will repackage their software and sell it under your own name.

There are also maintainability issues when you own the software. If the company fixes bugs, are they going to send you source updates? If you modify your source and break it, are they required to support you? These are burdensome for the company and they will not do those things unless contracted, at significant expense.

If you are worried about the company going out of business and leaving you with an orphan system, look into software escrow.

Answer 3

If it is not stipulated in the contact the SD company is no longer obliged to provide you with the source code. They are responsible only for bugfree working of the software. Even they can deny to give you source code on payment.

second, in case of absence of any contact they can charge as much as they want in order to get rid of providing source code.

However an effective and comprehensive Payroll system source code might fall in the range of 50-150 USD. this price has been estimated on the basis of quote in rent a coder site

link is hereunder
www.rentacoder.com

Answer 4

If you really want to work on a web site seriously you will need to learn html, php and preferably the mysql database. html is so simple, If you find it difficult, you should not even attempt to work on your site, get someone who knows what they are doing. Considering Linux carries the Apache , php and mysql servers for you to develop your pages on and all this can be done with a text editor, you have everything you could possibly need. I NEVER use any thing but a text editor to build web pages. You should also have the Gimp photo editing software to develop your backgrounds and pictures.