Optaros just published an Open Source RIA Frontend for Alfresco ECM, DoCASU 1.0 under GPL. This once again highlights some of the great advantages of Open Source software.
Open Source software has many advantages compared to proprietary alternatives. The fact that the source code is open might often not even be the most relevant driver. Often a much more relevant benefit of modern open source technologies is their componentized nature and the ability to access functions and services through open APIs (application programming interfaces). This allows to focus development efforts on what is most important for the usage of the application – the user interface – for example. With DoCASU 1.0, Optaros has developed and published a user interface framework for Alfresco deployments as an open source project.  The project will help users assimilate Alfresco’s enterprise content management systems.
As a platinum partner of Alfresco, Optaros has successfully deployed numerous content management systems for clients, realizing a common need to create a customized user experience.  DoCASU 1.0 leverages the understanding gained from corporate user requirements and utilizes Rich Internet Application technologies such as the ExtJS AJAX framework. DocASU 1.0 is not intended to replace the already existing Alfresco web user interface, but rather offer an alternative for users who require a limited set of features and profit from simplicity and ease of use. Already today thousands of users at NXP, a top 10 semiconductor company founded by Philips, are enjoying the user friendly frontend solution.
DoCASU is a showcase of what can be done on top of Alfresco’s Web Script approach with state of the art RIA technologies. Developers can take DoCASU as a start for even more comprehensive user interfaces, purpose built frontends or just as the base for learning on how to build on top of the Web Scripts. Optaros has deployed DoCASU 1.0 internally and continues to use it in client projects.
DoCASU 1.0 is available as open source under GPL v3 and can be downloaded here. The solution currently offers the typical features that document management users regularly need.  Additional key features expected soon include a “drop zone” for dragging and dropping files onto the desktop, tabbed navigation, configurable skins, usability improvements and more.  To learn more about DoCASU 1.0, please visit code.optaros.com.

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During the Enterprise 2.0 conference in Boston, I interviewed Bob Bickel (Ringside Networks), John Newton (Alfresco), and Jeff Whatcott (Acquia) about the relationships between open source, innovation, and enterprise 2.0.

First, Bob Bickel, currently CEO at Ringside Networks:

Second, John Newton, currently CTO and Chairman at Alfresco:

Finally, Jeff Whatcott of Acquia (commercial enterprise supporting the Drupal project):

As all three interviews amply demonstrate, open source is driving innovation in the Enterprise 2.0 space as in the Web 2.0 space.

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