Vertical Integration vs Open Systems: What Is It And Why Does It Matter?
While the debate surrounding the two concepts has been going on for years, it’s important to understand what they are, what they entail and most importantly, why it matters?
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ultimaker.comWhile the debate surrounding the two concepts has been going on for years, it’s important to understand what they are, what they entail and most importantly, why it matters?
Let’s start by defining the two terms:
Vertically Integrated Systems: This means that the manufacturer controls the core elements of the product ecosystem: hardware, software, and support. This integration ensures all components work harmoniously with a higher degree of reliability and provides users with a one stop solution.
Open Systems: on the other hand, open systems are characterized by their adaptability and compatibility with third-party components and software. Users are not restricted to a single manufacturer’s ecosystem, granting them greater freedom and cost-efficiency.
Why it Matters: User’s Perspective
The debate about the best implementation boils down to just a few factors like control vs. flexibility and security. A vertically integrated system’s main advantage is that controlling all steps of the process typically results in better reliability, seamless integration, and dedicated high-quality customer support, conversely, an open system provides freedom and customization allowing users to mix and match components to best suit their preferences and needs. Open systems also encourage the community to be more invested in the product and often encourages innovation.
How UltiMaker Gets It Right
Instead of opting for one or the other, UltiMaker combines the best of both implementations in a hybrid system, while maintaining tight integration between our hardware, materials and software (e.g. UltiMaker Cura and Digital Factory) along with a comprehensive support chain. UltiMaker also remains an open-source advocate, allowing users to adapt their systems using third-party materials and slicers, empowering them to innovate without forcing dependency on proprietary solutions.
For example, users can rely on UltiMaker’s consistent updates and optimized hardware-software compatibility to always improve the capabilities of their printers, while benefiting from third-party material profiles and APIs for interoperability with other systems. In other words, with UltiMaker, you get the best of both worlds. You ensure the printer you purchase is entirely yours, giving you full control over how and when you use it, while at the same time benefiting from tight integration between hardware, software, materials, and more, in order to allow you to do more with your printer.
We believe that by maintaining transparency, supporting local workflows, and respecting user autonomy, our approach allows customers to tailor their experience to their preferences. Whether they prefer the benefits of a vertically integrated system with an end-to-end solution or choose to opt out of certain features and implement their solutions, the choice will remain solely theirs.
If you want to leverage the potential of 3D printing technology for your applications while benefiting from the advantages of both a vertically integrated system as well as an open-system, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.