07 August 2003 22:38
Open source code speeds production
Open source code speeds production SAPILA Officeware is a locally developed office application suite that offers users the functionality they require at a considerably lower cost. The application makes use of what is known as open source code as its foundation. Sapila operations director Mark Mackay says the company initially began by trying to develop its own in-house source code upon which to base its office application software, Sapila Officeware. However, after spending R4m the company accepted that it was wasting time and money trying to develop something that was already available. "Sun Microsystems developed its Star Office application suite using open source code. This means that it has published its source code and made it available worldwide. "By using open source code we have the added advantage that other software developers can create applications that can integrate with our product, and this will provide us with additional momentum in the marketplace," Mackay says. He says another advantage associated with open source code is that it is being used by about 20 000 programmers worldwide who are working on further development. Mackay says that no single company could afford to devote 20 000 programmers to such continued development. As a result, the development cycle is incredibly quick, though this creates an additional challenge in terms of ensuring adequate quality control. "We try to bring in local development wherever possible so that we are expanding the pool of talent available in SA. "In addition, Sapila is giving programmers the opportunity to cut their teeth on these products. This means that they can acquire training and expertise without needing to work for the software development house. "Once technical people qualify they often find their lack of experience hampers them in the job market. However, we are bringing in students in their fourth year at university and giving them the opportunity of working with our technical team to further develop our product." He says this use of programmers in a consultant role is very common in the open source environment. This approach means that programmers can be working anywhere in SA or even the world, contributing to software development, gaining experience and earning an income. "In terms of our own product development we are planning to work with about 50 people that we find give us the real value that we are seeking," Mackay says. Technical architect Thabo Machedi manages the source code and the direction of its development for Sapila. Machedi says Sapila Officeware is set up to run on all Windows operating systems, as well as Linux. However, the company can install its software on any other operating system with a minimal delay. Concurrent version systems (CVS) is an ISO 9000-type standard that helps to ensure quality control. As a software product goes through its life cycle, there are different versions of the product. By using CVS, Sapila knows exactly which version is being used. "We are working to make our software multilingual and we are in the process of adding German, Russian and several other languages as we ready our product for the European market." He says the product has been developed in such a way that each of the functions is almost like a standalone product in its own right. This means that functions can be reused and put together to form new products. "We could, for example, put together Sapila Officeware in an entirely different manner without needing to start all over again to develop the products." He says having the software development team in SA means that the company can add functionality and ensure that its product is being developed to meet customer requirements. Machedi says Sapila Officeware uses XML to transfer information from one product in the suite to the next, and to store files.
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