What happens when our funding runs out?
Our project is funded for a few years. What happens to our platform after that?
This is a common and very important question, quite independent of OpenCulturas.
The software was specifically designed for such situations and can be operated beyond the funding period even with a modest hosting budget. Because standard open-source software is in use, there's no direct dependency on a single agency.
Avoiding dependencies
A common pitfall is ambitious custom development of a web portal, often carried out by an agency focused on modern design and new interaction concepts. There's nothing wrong with that in principle, but it means a single agency ends up with in-depth knowledge of the software in use and can determine follow-up costs. Another agency would first need to spend considerable time getting up to speed, which rarely saves money.
Structured data, independent of design
OpenCulturas relies on a standardized data structure that can in principle also be transferred to other systems. The design is largely independent of this and can be modernized from time to time without needing a new system. So follow-up costs are low here, even if you need a fresh look — for example with follow-up funding.
Exchanging ideas with like-minded people
OpenCulturas e. V. offers exchange formats for operators, where, among other things, tips for follow-up financing are shared, or where interest groups form to share costs together.