Philosophy

Open source is a paradigm, a technology description, an approach to problem solving, and a goal.

The open source movement originated because vendors, developers, and users realized that, working together, they could create technology that was as good as, or better than, the proprietary applications offered by large businesses. Proprietary systems do not allow or encourage visibility into core processes, which makes it difficult to integrate with other technologies. Vendors, not customers, maintain control over the application, in spite of any customization done by customers.

Open source technology ensures customers have more control over how things work. It provides a new level of IT freedom - multiple standards-based technology platforms to choose from, numerous support options, a collaborative development community, and no dependence on software versions or obsolescence schedules.