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I dug up here an interesting paper on how to evaluate an opensource
project <br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.dwheeler.com/oss_fs_eval.html">http://www.dwheeler.com/oss_fs_eval.html</a><br>
<br>
The process described is based on steps we already use to evaluate and
select software.<br>
<ol>
<li>identify candidates and read existing reviews</li>
<li>briefly compare the leading programs' attributes to your needs<br>
</li>
<li>perform an in-depth analysis of the top candidates.<br>
</li>
</ol>
As Con suggested, if a program is being actively maintained and
updated, it's far more likely that
it will still be useful tomorrow. You can glean this from the traffic
on the supporting discussion forums and dates on the update pages. For
example, Moodle <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://moodle.org">http://moodle.org</a> has over 142 developers for over 7500
sites.<br>
<br>
Regards Roland<br>
<br>
Con Zymaris wrote:
<blockquote cite="mid20051202021441.GH12170@cyber.com.au" type="cite">
<pre wrap="">On Fri, Dec 02, 2005 at 12:45:50PM +1100, Meadows, Roslyn M wrote:
</pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">Con, do you know of anyone who has used this software? Is it adaptable
to Australian conditions, or is it very Americanised? oops I mean
AmericaniZed!
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap=""><!---->I don't know of anyone locally who uses it, or for that matter how
applicable to local conditions it is. I would guess that if you had a few
minutes to try it, you can view the demo to find out more:
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.laex.org/class/demo.html">http://www.laex.org/class/demo.html</a>
</pre>
</blockquote>
<blockquote cite="mid20051202021441.GH12170@cyber.com.au" type="cite">
<pre wrap=""></pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">Our school has just paid over $3000 for Day Map, next week we start new
classes (all our students are promoted and we start next year's program)
and we will trial Day Map. But I feel it is important to use OSS where
possible to save money (or spend it on other things!!)
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap=""><!---->You must ensure however that any such OSS is viable and of appropriate
quality. The well known, 'high traffic' apps are generally fine, but this
is a little more esoteric. However, you don't lose anything but a bit of
effort in running a pilot with this software.
</pre>
</blockquote>
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