Free and Open Source Software

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)

What is FOSS?

Free and open source software (FOSS) comes with the right to:

• run, copy or redistribute the software
• read the source code.
• alter or improve the source code.

How can Spatial Focus help us with FOSS?

While you can buy FOSS software, most is available for free download. And challenges arrive with it:

• Which FOSS applications will work for us?
• Will it work with our other software?
• Will we have to change something?
• How will we get support?

Spatial Focus offers planning and training services for local governments and other clients exploring free and open source GIS software. We have the experience and understanding to make the most of the resources available. Spatial Focus has used a variety of FOSS software since we started in 1998, from operating systems to web map servers to spatial databases.

Does FOSS Work?

You are using FOSS right now. The web server that publishes this site runs on Apache, one of the most successful open source projects. Netcraft publishes a survey documenting Apache's continuing dominance of the web server market.

Call Spatial Focus. We can help you make help you make the most of free and open source GIS software.

-- MarthaLombard - 18 May 2005