For many people loking to build a community and implement a social network – there are 2 main options.
1. Bespoke Software
2. Open source
There are pros can cons of both approaches.
Bespoke Software
By definition, bespoke software gives you exactly what you want. The reality is that vendors generally have a product they have developed and will re-implement for you with custom changes. The main downside is that you are tied to an individual vendor to support and maintain your system.
Open Source
There are a number of open source projects which can be used to implement social networks. Although there are some limitations with this approach – the software has been well used and refined and so offers alot for effectively no money. For on-going support there are a wider number of companies and developers who will be able to support and develop your system. This means that you are not tied to one vendor.
