The core ClubsHR platform isn't open source rostering software however we are regularly working with a number of developers on API integrations and differing applications for the core software.



What is Open Source Software? 


Open Source Software (OSS) refers to a free program to use, modify, and distribute, as long as its creators get credit. The best-known examples of OSS are Linux and Wikipedia. Also, the term “open source” refers to software openly released, providing anybody access to the code to review, alter, and make improvements.


Source code is the computer program’s skeleton: a never-seen portion of software that programmers can influence how the program acts. For example, programmers with source code access can make changes to the code in the form of new additions, changes, or fixes of errors.


OSS has licenses that allow programmers to change it to match their specific requirements and manage the distribution of their software. On the other hand, computer users never see “source code” (i.e., the code may change to make the software run differently).


It’s sometimes called “source code” because it is the source of the final program that most people think of as “software.” For example, one method programmers enhance programs is by adding features or repairing bugs. When they have access to the program’s source code, they can quickly achieve both goals.


How Does Open Source Work?


In general, the public shares an open-source code stored in a public repository. This fact means the code is available to everyone for use as well as contributing enhancements. Distribution licenses are common with OSS. The license allows developers to learn, adapt, and share the software and defines the distribution parameters.


In case you didn’t know, here are four of the most used open-source licenses based on Synopsys Black Duck KnowledgeBase:


  • MIT License, which gives you the rights to use MIT content, unless restricted in the licence.
  • GNU General Public License, or GPL, version 2.0, is more restrictive and needs updated code availability.
  • Apache License 2.0 gives you the freedom to use the content whatever you like. It is also one of the most popular open-source licenses out there.
  • The GPL 3.0 (3-clause, New or Revised) or BSD 2.0 (3-clause) is less restrictive than the others.


In the end, OSS has to provide details about both the code itself and the procedures involved in making changes whenever someone edits a source code. Depending on the licensing terms, the modified software may or may not be obliged to be made freely available.


As a team we love the open source movement and appreciate just what has come about in the world because of open development environments. 


If you are looking to build an open source roster management system we're certainly happy to have a chat about your application and see where we might be able to work together.


Key Criteria for an open source roster management system:


  1. Simple Interface & Good UX Principles

  2. API Connectivity into Accounting systems and their payroll like Xero Payroll, MYOB Payroll, Sage Payroll.

  3. Connectivity into iOS Rostering and Employee Apps and Android Rostering and employee Apps

  4. Employee Availability and Leave Management systems

  5. Time and Attendance System preferably with GPS Location capacity


Once built it means you can share an open source version of shift scheduling software system for anyone to use.

If all that seems a bit of trouble why not come try a free 30-Day trial of ClubsHR. We take care of all the coding, all the integrations, and all the trouble. And with our flexible "Only use what you pay for" pricing system you'll be saving time and money in no time.