Open Source Software

Attention: open in a new window. PDFPrintE-mail

 Energetica recommends free Open Source Software.

Free Open Source Software means that the source code and software updates are available free of charge for download, use and further distribution. The source code is often developed by a worldwide community of users that provide their time and expertise free of charge. They contribute to projects through programming, testing, support and documentation.

For not-for-profit organisations the use of Free Open Source has the following advantages:

  • No ongoing license fees for software.
  • No vendor lock-in. You are free to take your whole system to another service provider if you are unhappy with Energetica’s service. It is therefore necessary for us to provide exceptional service so that you have no reason to leave.
  • Open source has a community development and collaboration philosophy.
  • You gain from a large, world-wide community of innovators, many of whom are working to develop ideas for not-for-profit organisations.
  • Because the code is freely available the system is robust and secure.

Importantly, you save money in the following ways:

  • Your systems run on open platforms and do not require expensive hosting hardware or services.
  • No software license fees.
  • Extensive functionality, that would otherwise be out of reach and available only in high-end commercial products, or would consume large amounts of money in development.
  • Ongoing innovation - new ideas for input into your site that can be tested for little cost. This means that you have far more resources to put into your project outcomes, your staff have more time for engaging audiences, budget is available for innovative ideas, training and developing operational efficiencies.

Energetica is a member of the Open Source Industry Association. We contribute to open source projects by providing documentation, input to support forums, and code development where appropriate.