Proprietary software is owned by a company or individual that retains exclusive rights to its source code, restricting users from viewing, modifying, or redistributing it. Users purchase licenses granting limited usage rights rather than owning the software itself. Examples include Microsoft Office, Adobe products, and many specialized business applications. Proprietary software contrasts with open-source software where source code is freely available. Governments often debate whether to use proprietary or open-source solutions, weighing factors like cost, support, security, vendor lock-in, and customization needs. Proprietary systems may offer polished features and dedicated support but can create dependency on single vendors.