“I have some small sized Outlook PST files and I want to merge them because a single file will easy to manage. Someone suggested me to use a free PST Merge software to accomplish this task. However, that tool was too sluggish to operate and respond very slowly to input commands. Due to which, I refused to use that program. I have some purchased applications to execute another operation and I do not face any issue with them, like this open source software. Thus, now I am in a confusing state that which software I have to use for merging my PST files, Open or closed source software.”

Proprietary or Open source software to Merge Outlook PST files?

The answer to this question is: it depends. It is so because neither solution is perfect for all conditions and the unique requirements of users will dictate that which one is best. There are many users who use open source programs and loses their crucial data. As we know that open source programs are available free of cost, however, they comprise many security and other data loss risks. Thus in this editorial, we are going to discuss that why embedded software developers should avoid using open source software.

Why not use Open Source Software?

#Reason 1: Free but Still Costly

Open source software necessitates training, service, and support and in many cases, these things cost the user more than the licensed product. As we know that, support is a big consideration while using OSS. Typically, open source software does not provide the call for support. The user did not pay any charge for software thus, there is no obligation for anyone when users are facing any problem. There is no longer clear support channels for the internal, external, and service legal agreements. This all can cost enormously in the long run. Thus, in hindsight, the free applications may have no their own cost, however, ongoing maintenance and hidden dangers may cost users more than original software.

#Reason 2: Vulnerable to Malicious Activities

There are various users who can access the source code of open source software however, they all have no good intents. Where many users utilize their access to spot the defects and make improvements to the application, on the other side some users use this privilege to exploit the program’s vulnerabilities and generate bugs. These bugs are dangerous in nature and can infect the hardware devices, steal user identities or just annoy computer users. These all things rarely happen with commercially designed software. It is so because the companies who make this software, have stringent quality control procedure and guarantees that the program is relatively perfect when released in the market.

#Reason 3: Accidentally Release Confidential Intellectual Property

Developers often assume that all open source software is free and comes up with no hooks attached. The issue is that this is not the case. There are various different licensing plans that open source software designers use. If a close attention is not being paid to OSS then, developers may find that their confidential code and algorithms have been released by software. Free software requires payment to secure user’s crucial data and even after that, there is no surety that information will not be released. As this software are ‘wide open’ thus, sometimes administrators may fail to detect and refine the open-door policy. It results in the data breach and then, user report complaints of rejected connections or the failed authorizations.

#Reason 4: Poor and Complex Graphical User Interface

There are many cases when users face a lot of trouble with GUI design of Open Source Software. It is so because OSS programs do not comprise so user-friendly interface. More attention tends to be paid while using these programs and making the scripts becomes a real pain for the novice. Consumers are required to be specially trained in order to operate them properly. These all points affects the productivity of developer company and also wastes the time of end users.

#Reason 5: Lack of SDLC Standard Measures

During the designing of OSS, developers gather poor requirements with improper documentation. Also, their testing is not done properly. Thus, these software becomes failed in many cases. These programs comprise no documentation to support the development. Sometimes, developers could generate their own documentation and these all things creates the primary-business risks. Additionally, the poorly developed software can increase the security risks and decreases data integrity. The loss of data integrity results in potentially life-threatening situations like hardware compatibility complications and much more.

What is the Best Way to Merge PST Files?

As using OSS to merge PST files comprises many serious issues and no user wants to lose their essential information saved in Outlook PST files. Thus, we recommend users PST Merge software. The tool is completely safe to download and includes proper SDLC that helps to maintain the data integrity during and after combing two or more PST files. Consumers will face no hardware compatibility issues while using it and the software supports to combine PST files Outlook 2016 and all below versions. The tool consists of many eminent features, such as:

  1. 3 Merge options: Join PST, Merge multiple PST, and Merge Contacts
  2. Ability to integrate Outlook contact folders from various PST files
  3. Merge UNICODE and ANSI PST files into single UNICODE type PST
  4. Supports Windows 10 (32/64bit) and all below versions of Windows

Additional Benefits of Proprietary Software to Merge Outlook PST File

The licensed version of PST Merge Software provides some additional features that no open source software to merge PST files includes, like:

  1. 24*7 Technical Support: Licensed version provides 24×7 technical support with reliable solutions that match the business requirements of the consumer. Users will get integrated solutions support services backed by a team of experienced professionals.
  2. 1 Year Free Product Updates: Whenever any new update arrives related to the PST Merge software, users will instantly get notified. This service is free of cost till one year after purchasing the tool.
  3. 100% Secure to Download and Run: The PST Merge tool is free from any malware and users can download and run it without any hassle. It is totally safe to download and it will not affect the working of other applications installed on the system as well as it is compatible with hardware devices.
Conclusion

After a deep analysis of OSS and proprietary software to merge PST files, we conclude that both kinds of programs have their own merits and demerits. Where, OSS is free of cost, on the other hand, licensed software is safe and defend users from any kind of data loss. Now, its all up to users, that which kind of software they prefer to merge Outlook PST files.