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What is Open Source Software?
What is Open Source Software?
Open Source is the idea that software "recipes" or source code, should be published and open to independent scrutiny and use by the community.
Source code is the computing equivalent of a cheesecake recipe and without it, the best you can do is hope that the ingredients are all noted on the label with no unexplained allergens or additives, the software equivalent of security back doors, telemetry, data sharing and corruption, to name a few.
Unlike cheesecake, subject to a raft of food and health safety regulations, software and its source code is essentially unregulated and often held as trade secrets, reliant on the supplier to address issues in a timely manner as they deem commercially appropriate, rather than what's safe for human consumption.
Once baked and packaged, obtaining the recipe for a particular cheesecake is a complex process of chemical detective work with varying levels of success. Similarly, reverse engineering source code is fraught.
Open Source has a long history, going back to the beginnings of the automotive industry of sharing technological information in the 1900's. Evolving as software was developed, Open Source now also refers to associated rights, permissions and obligations.
Other definitions of Open Source:
Linux
Linux
Today the most prominent open source project is the Linux Kernel, the operating system that runs over 34.9% (May 2026) of non-embedded computers globally.
While Windows Desktop gets most of the headlines, the vast majority of mobile phones (68%), servers (63%), and top 500 supercomputers (100%) use a Linux Kernel.
In addition to Linux, you'll find open source projects across 96% of organisations with database engines like MySQL and PostgreSQL, web servers like Apache and nginx, web browsers like Firefox and Chromium and thousands more.
The Linux Kernel is packaged with supporting applications and package managers as a Distribution, or distro, with names like Debian, Ubuntu, SUSE, Arch Linux, Red Hat and hundreds of specialised adoptions, like Android and Alpine.
Tux is the Linux kernel mascot
Debian Logo
Debian Linux
Debian Linux
Debian (/ˈdɛbiən/) is a free, general-purpose operating system developed by the Debian Project, a worldwide association of volunteers founded by Ian Murdock on August 16, 1993. It is the second-oldest Linux distribution still being developed (only Slackware is older) and forms the base of many others.
ITmaze has been using Debian Linux since 2000, first installing Debian Potato (v2.2) on a SPARCstation ELC and since then on workstations, servers and assorted virtual machines.
Unlike other Linux distros, Debian has set-out the "Debian Social Contract", which outlines the rights and obligations associated with the Debian Project, including the "The Debian Free Software Guidelines (DFSG)", ensuring that all users have access to it and that future use is not encumbered by changing political sentiment and interests.
Debian is updated and released regularly. Several "blends" and "derivatives" are maintained.
Debian Blends
Debian Blends
Debian Pure Blends provide support for special user interests. They implement a new approach to cover interests of specialised users, who might be children, lawyers, medical staff, visually impaired people, etc. Of late, several Debian Pure Blends have evolved. The common goal of those is to make installation and administration of computers for their target users as easy as possible, and to serve in the role as the missing link between software developers and users well.
Examples:
Debian Accessibility: an operating system that is particularly well suited for the requirements of people with disabilities.
Debian Astro: operating system that fits the requirements of both professional and hobby astronomers. It integrates a large number of software packages covering telescope control, data reduction, presentation and other fields.
DebiChem: a good platform for chemists in their day-to-day work.
Debian Edu: suitable for educational use and in schools.
Debian Games: arcade and adventure to simulation and strategy.
Debian GIS: the best distribution for Geographical Information System applications and users.
Debian Junior: an OS that children will enjoy using.
Debian Med: complete free and open system for all tasks in medical care and research. To achieve this goal Debian Med integrates related free and open source software for medical imaging, bioinformatics, clinic IT infrastructure, and others within the Debian OS.
Debian Multimedia: a good platform for audio and multimedia work.
Debian Science: a better experience when using Debian to researchers and scientists.
FreedomBox: develop, design and promote personal servers running free software for private, personal communications. Applications include blogs, wikis, websites, social networks, email, web proxy and a Tor relay on a device that can replace a wireless router so that data stays with the users.
Hamradio: support the needs of radio amateurs in Debian by providing logging, data mode and packet mode applications and more.
Debian Derivatives
Debian Derivatives
A Debian derivative is a distribution that is based on the work done in Debian but has its own identity, goals and audience and is created by an entity that is independent from Debian. Derivatives modify Debian to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
Examples:
Grml: live system for system administrators.
Kali Linux: security auditing and penetration testing.
Purism PureOS FSF-endorsed rolling release, focused on privacy, security and convenience.
Tails: preserve privacy and anonymity.
Ubuntu: popularising Linux around the world.
Debian and its logo are trademarks owned by Software in the Public Interest, Inc.
ITmaze and Open Source Software
ITmaze and Open Source Software
ITmaze has contributed to Open Source projects since being founded in 1999. It continues to use and recommend Open Source for its clients around the globe.
Here are some highlights of projects using Open Source technologies:
Software R&D 2018 – 2021
Software R&D 2018 – 2021
Client: International Legal Firm
Technology: AWS, S3, Docker, JavaScript, Node.js, GraphViz, Puppeteer, Chrome, git
Role: Researcher, System Developer, Data Scientist
Client required investigation code base on behalf of a litigant.
Designed, developed and deployed AWS infrastructure to meet the project requirements.
Authored detailed reports on findings.
AWS Beanstalk Deployment 2016 – 2018
AWS Beanstalk Deployment 2016 – 2018
Client: Not for Profit Cooperative
Technology: AWS, Docker, EC2, RDS, EBS, S3, ECR, EFS, ASG, LAMP, git
Role: System Developer
Client had legacy CMS (ExpressionEngine) hosted on a VPS which was crashing and not updated since 2012. Built and deployed replacement stack in AWS.
Project involved translating MySQL tables with 743! columns into a more sensible schema, updating 100+ external plug-ins, updating EE from 2.x to 3.x.
Farm Management System 2007 – 2014
Farm Management System 2007 – 2014
Client: Livestock Farm
Technology: Ubuntu Linux, OpenOffice
Role: System Integrator
Replace paper based system to track vital statistics of animal husbandry, including births, deaths, weights, feed, medication, shipping, offspring, invoicing and ordering.
The original system was based on manual farming practices which required that the farm remember specific details about their stock, rather than track progress over time and alter practices as a result of data gathered.
The system was reviewed by the peak body for the industry who were impressed with the simplicity of the system.
Real-time Broadsoft Call Reports 2012 – 2013
Real-time Broadsoft Call Reports 2012 – 2013
Client: Large Expo Company
Technology: Ubuntu Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, Broadsoft
Role: System Integrator
Client migrated CISCO Call Manager Express to Broadsoft platform. It didn't come with any real-time reports. The original CCME based logging system was transformed to use data from the Broadsoft platform. It presented that data in live reports, including historical reporting.
Electronic Ticket System 2009 – 2013
Electronic Ticket System 2009 – 2013
Client: Large Expo Company
Technology: Ubuntu Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, Bar-code Scanners, Payment Gateway
Role: System Integrator
Integrated ticket system to market, distribute, generate and validate electronic tickets. The system also provides for two tier distribution, where an exhibitor receives a key to distribute among their staff and clients, which in turn generates a ticket on the system.
Real-time CCME Call Reports 2007 – 2011
Real-time CCME Call Reports 2007 – 2011
Client: Large Expo Company
Technology: Ubuntu Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, CISCO Call Manager Express
Role: System Integrator
Client migrated from POTS exchange to a CISCO Call Manager Express. It didn't come with any real-time reports. A system was developed that scraped the call data from the CCME and presented that data in live reports, including historical reporting.
In the process several bugs were found in the CCME call logging system.
GPS Tracking for International Event 2005 – 2011
GPS Tracking for International Event 2005 – 2011
Client: Government Department
Technology: Ubuntu Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, Google Maps, SPOT Messenger v2, Inmarsat based Satamatics Sat-201
Role: System Integrator
Implement system to receive and decode location messages to display on a Google Map.
High Volume Event Website 2004 – 2011
High Volume Event Website 2004 – 2011
Client: Government Department
Technology: Ubuntu Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, Google Apps
Role: System Integrator, Web Master
7.5 Million hits in 4 days during the bi-annual event in 2005.
System provided event information to sponsors, participants and officials. Coordination of photos, blogs, system alerts, GPS tracking and timing information. Incorporates results and provides media only access to high resolution photography.
Event Radio Streaming 2011
Event Radio Streaming 2011
Client: Government Department
Technology: Ubuntu Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, Shoutcast
Role: System Integrator
Custom built system to provide audio streaming of event radio. The system allowed local users to connect to the streaming server to hear the event radio to overcome difficulties with installing traditional radio receivers in a high-rise office building.
Arctic Capable Satellite Tracker 2008
Arctic Capable Satellite Tracker 2008
Client: Adventurer
Technology: Debian Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, Google Maps,
Iridium Satellite Modem & GPS
Role: System Integrator
The system decodes messages generated by the device and displays them on a map. The manufacturer did not provide specifications of the message format which had to be reverse engineered. The device was built into an enclosure, capable of withstanding the Arctic environment.
Computer Technology Courses
Computer Technology Courses
Apr 2004 – Jun 2004
Client: Home Users
Technology: Open Source Software
Role: Lecturer
Small community courses. Provided lecturing for Internet familiarity, Office software, Website development, computer troubleshooting.
Remote VMware Guest 2002 – 2003
Remote VMware Guest 2002 – 2003
Client: Large Expo Company
Technology: Ubuntu Linux, VMware, VNC, ssh
Role: System Developer
Client had an application that did not provide remote access and could only run across a local LAN. System was developed to launch a VMware guest once a remote connection was received using VNC over ssh.
System was capable of 10 concurrent users and was deployed in remote office locations around Australia.
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