Proprietary tools are specialized software or systems developed and owned by a specific company or organization. Unlike open-source tools, their design, source code, and functionality are not publicly available. These tools are often necessary to access, interpret, or manage certain data or services and typically require a license or permission from the owner to use. Proprietary tools can offer unique features or enhanced security, but they may also limit interoperability with other systems and can lock users into a particular vendor’s ecosystem.