Why Open Source? Quality software for free. The philosophy behind open source. Software Info Teaching Case system uses other open source software that makes the project possible. Funding How Medical Teaching Cases is funded.

Why Open Source Open source refers to the license that comes with the software. Open source license has many advantages over traditional closed source commercial software. First the user gets control of the code. Deciding to use any software is a big decision since data entered into the system needs to be used over a long period of time. During this time technology and methods change. Since the code is delivered with the system the user is free to hire local programmers to change the system, adding features or changing the interface to suite specific needs of any user. Second, security is a large factor with patient data, since the code is delivered the hospital can verify no 'strange' network requests are being made transfering patient data. Third, since the code is delivered the software writers have to ensure a clean solid approach is taken when writing the software since others are allowed to approve upon it. Fourth, companies of course come and go, and closed software is like buying a car with the engine hood welded shut. Open source allows maintenance of software regardless if the original programmers are still working on the system.