The difference between Open Source software and proprietary software is that the source code is freely available.

Program developers can therefore in most cases modify the software independently from the original authors. They can propagate the program and publicise flaws and bugs. Because of this public availability of the source code, this kind of software is called "open source" or "free software".

The public took notice of Open Source with the success of the operating system Linux.

But Linux is not the only Open Source product on the market. For most of the important software categories Open Source applications offer an alternative to proprietary products; e.g. office suits, databases or internet browsers.

mbi developers monitor the Open Source market carefully and use Open Source products in different instances. A good example is our comprehensive service offered for internet publishing, which is based on the Open Source content-management system TYPO3.

There is a "matter of faith" discussion among the IT community on proprietary or Open Source software. We at mbi have a clear position. We always recommend the technology or product that best suits the needs of our clients. Depending on the requirements this can be proprietary systems or Open Source products.

"Free software" not necessarily means "cost free" software. You may modify Open Source products, pass it on, and even sell it. But you always have to share the source code with the community.