Leading Collaboration Software

There is an implied expectation that the user may modify and/or distribute the product and its source code at will.

In fact, most proponents believe fervently that users should actively share open-source software and continuously strive to improve it. This is the opposite of the proprietary approach, in which the source code remains a well-guarded secret, and sharing is punishable by law.

Software developers who have made a large investment of time and money, and are hoping for a return on their dollar, tend to hold their source code particularly close to the vest.

In the fall of 2004, FutureU™ Cofounder Claude Whitmyer undertook to identify and test the most promising open-source products with the help of FutureU™ client colleagues who were also information technology experts. His goals were to:

• Clarify whether and how open-source products might meet the need for virtual collaboration.
• Identify which open-source tools, if any, are the most efficient, cost effective and easiest to learn.
• Identify the current limitations of open-source products and gauge the likelihood and possible timing of significant improvements.
• Reduce the long-term software expenses of FutureU clients and colleagues.

Since 2004, Whitmyer and FutureU associates have continued to monitor the open-source marketplace. Eventually, we hope to publish the results of this research and make them available to the public for a nominal fee. Among the early findings:

“Yes, Virginia, there is a case to be made for open source, in business and academia alike.”