Proprietary Software

Closed Source Software, often synonymous with Proprietary Software, is a model of software distribution where the source code is not shared with the public for viewing or editing. It's guarded by copyright law and often, it is a commercial commodity, developed and maintained by a specific company or individuals. The novelty and uniqueness that closed source software offer are protection under legal walls, making it a lucrative asset for software developing entities.

Distinguishing Closed Source Software and Proprietary Software

While the terms 'Closed Source Software' and 'Proprietary Software' are often used interchangeably, they are not exactly synonymous. Their distinction is subtle but important.On the other hand, Closed Source Software is a kind of proprietary software where access to the source code is barred, literally closed-off from public access. While all closed source software is proprietary, not all proprietary software is closed source. There can be proprietary software whose source code may be available for scrutiny but barred from modification or limited in redistribution.The closed-source software model often comes with some important implications.

• End-User Dependency: Users are reliant on the software provider for updates and bug fixes. This reliance can sometimes lead to a delay in solving technical issues.
• Cost: Closed source software often comes at a certain cost. This cost can be a one-time purchase price, a subscription fee, or in the form of in-app purchases.
• Privacy: With closed source software, it can often be hard to fully understand what the software is doing. Is it collecting data? Is it secure to use? As the source code is not open to public inspection, it is difficult to ascertain these facts.

An Overview of Closed Source Software

In understanding software systems, the closed source model proves to be an important part that plays a unique role. Despite its restrictions, it has its advantages.Many industry-leading software like Microsoft Windows, Adobe Photoshop, and Google Earth use the closed source model. Let's consider these software as examples:

Closed Source Software	Company	Functionality
Microsoft Windows	Microsoft	Operating System
Adobe Photoshop	Adobe Systems	Graphic Design
Google Earth	Google	Geographic Data/Mapping

These examples demonstrate how pervasive and dominant closed source software is in the technology landscape. Although closed source software restricts access to its source code, it ensures consistency, quality, and reliable support. It also motivates developers to stay ahead of the curve, as commercial success relies on offering innovative and secure features that open source alternatives might lack. Hence, in different respects, closed source software is an essential cornerstone of the digital infrastructure.

Examination of Proprietary Software Examples

The world of proprietary software is vast and diverse, encompassing a multitude of applications across different industries. From operating systems to security apps, there is a myriad of software that strictly protect their source code under copyright laws, ensuring their unique functionalities, user experiences, and business models stay exclusive.

Common Examples of Proprietary Software

Exploring some common examples developed by notable companies can lay a foundation in understanding the landscape of proprietary software in today's tech-driven era. Take, for example,

• Microsoft Windows: Used by millions worldwide, this licensed operating system has been the backbone of personal computing for decades. It's user-friendly interface, coupled with unique features, and regular updates demonstrate how a proprietary system can evolve to meet user needs over time.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro are industry standards in creative media production. They are renowned for their rich features, smooth user interface, and professional-grade tools, expertly designed under the proprietary model.
• Apple's iOS: Powering every iPhone and iPad, iOS represents the epitome of a sleek and intuitive user interface for mobile devices. This operating system is developed and maintained by Apple itself, embodying the principles of proprietary software to the core.

Each of these examples employs a different business model. Usually, a one-time fee or a subscription model funds its continual development and support.

How Popular Software use Proprietary Systems?

Proprietary systems aren't just about keeping source code confidential. They offer opportunities for businesses to offer unique features, entire ecosystems, and reliable customer support, ultimately providing value that stands out. Let's examine how this happens with some common tools:

Software	Company	How Do They Use Proprietary Systems?
Microsoft Office Suite	Microsoft	Microsoft develops, improves, and debugs all the applications included in the Office Suite using their in-house programming team. Proprietary measures ensure no third party can introduce unofficial modifications, keeping the user experience consistent and secure.
Adobe Acrobat	Adobe Systems	Adobe Acrobat allows for advanced PDF editing, with a host of features such as digital signatures and form creation far beyond basic viewing. This scope of functionality - developed, updated, and maintained by Adobe alone – is what makes it unique.
Apple's iTunes	Apple Inc.	Apple’s iTunes is more than just a media player. It allows for music, movies, and TV show purchases, iOS device management, and more. Their proprietary approach keeps all these services within its singular, integrated ecosystem.

In each case, these proprietary systems establish a controlled environment where quality, consistency, and distinctiveness can be maintained and built upon. As a result, these software companies retain user trust and engagement, helping them to remain at the forefront of technology and innovation. In conclusion, the proprietary software model is crucial to keep in mind while interacting with software systems. As consumers, it helps you understand the rights and limitations associated with the use of different software. On the other hand, for business and enterprises, the model provides a legal framework to work within while developing unique software solutions.

Advantages of Proprietary Software

It is easy to glance at the realm of proprietary software and perceive it as a restrictive model, primarily due to its closed-source nature. However, this particular approach to software creation and distribution is not without its merits. The proprietary software model actually brings with it several notable advantages that serve to enhance the user experience, provide exclusive features, and ensure optimal quality control.

Unique Benefits of Proprietary Software

Firstly, proprietary software often offers assured quality. Since a dedicated team of professional developers painstakingly crafts every aspect of the software, the software tends to be of high quality and deliver superior functionality. Also, these developers are very particular about the user experience and ensure that it runs seamlessly. This includes a well-designed, intuitive user interface - something that proprietary software often excels in. This makes it more user-friendly, encouraging more people to use and rely on it on a regular basis. For example, consider the Microsoft Office Suite. The interfaces of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other programs are designed with great precision, making it easy for users to utilise the software's wide range of functions. With time, Microsoft has refined these interfaces based on user feedback and technological advancements, further enhancing the user experience.

Sensitive to the type of license, your usage rights may considerably vary. To understand the spectrum of software licenses, imagine two poles. At one pole, there are highly restrictive licenses that give minimal rights to the user. An example is a license that allows you to install the software on a single workstation machine (identified by a unique ID).

At the other pole, some licenses are granting broader rights, like installing the software on multiple machines and even allowing for secondary users to use the software. An example is a Home and Student license that offers more flexibility. The type of license you have greatly influences its scope of usability. Therefore, understanding them can give you insights on how to leverage them best for your needs. To portray the crux of proprietary software licenses, let's consider these three primary properties:

• Non-Transferability: Most proprietary software licenses stipulate that the software cannot be sold or passed on. The buyer of the software license does not own the software; instead, they simply have the right to use it. This includes the terms of the license.
• Non-Modifiability: A user is not permitted to modify, change or alter the original code of the software. For instance, a user can't change the features of software or hack around any limitations that the software includes. Infringing on this could lead to serious legal consequences.
• Use Boundaries: The license contains explicit terms of how many machines can the software be installed on, the duration of the license, the type of users that can use it, among others. Violation of these terms could result in the licence being revoked.

Your Rights Under a Proprietary Software License

It might seem by the controlled nature of proprietary software licenses, users are entitled to scanty rights. On the contrary, they are granted crucial rights that revolve around the usage of the software, often far-reaching. Understanding these rights is paramount to legally and carefully distinguishing the means of usage. These are the three primary rights granted to you under a proprietary software license:

• Right to Use: The software company cannot prevent you from using the software for the duration of the license. As long as you comply with the agreed-upon terms, you have the unfettered right to use the software.
• No Obsolescence: The company cannot force you to stop using an older version of the software if you do not want to upgrade. Even when support and updates for the software stop, you still have the right to use it.
• Transfer of License: In some scenarios, software licenses may be transferred. It is conditional and allowed under specific circumstances such as organisational mergers or buyouts. This depends on the details in the EULA and may vary across different software.

If you do violate some terms of the software license, how would the breach be identified and enforced? The mechanism varies. Some companies use a combination of unique software keys, internet-based authentication, and sophisticated algorithms to identify violations of the terms of their licenses. It's crucial to remember that breaches can result in getting your license revoked, facing legal action, or hefty fines. If you are not clear on the terms of your license, it's advisable to seek professional assistance to clarify the terms before you use the software. In summary, proprietary software licenses dictate the terms of software usage within the legal precincts. They are binding agreements that a user must adhere to when using the software. A thorough understanding of these licenses allows you to navigate the use of such software ethically and legally, while maximising its utility and value.