Open Source & Technology Selection Principles
At My Waypoint Technologies Inc., we believe technology decisions should be driven by what best serves the needs of our clients.
When evaluating software, platforms, tools, hosting providers, and technology partners, we consider functionality, security, supportability, sustainability, long-term cost, and operational requirements.
We do not maintain financial relationships that require us to promote proprietary software over open-source alternatives, nor do we adopt technology based solely on licensing model or popularity.
Our goal is simple:
Recommend technology solutions that provide the greatest value, flexibility, and long-term benefit for our clients.
Our Philosophy
Technology should empower organizations rather than restrict them.
Whenever practical, we encourage solutions that:
- Support long-term flexibility
- Encourage interoperability
- Use open standards
- Minimize unnecessary complexity
- Reduce reliance on a single vendor
- Respect client ownership and control
Technology choices should support business objectives, not create unnecessary dependencies.
Open Source When Appropriate
Open-source software plays an important role in the modern technology ecosystem and forms the foundation of many of the world's most widely used platforms and services.
Open-source solutions may provide benefits including:
- Reduced licensing costs
- Greater transparency
- Increased flexibility
- Community-driven innovation
- Strong interoperability
- Long-term sustainability
- Reduced vendor lock-in
Where mature, secure, and actively maintained open-source alternatives are available, we may recommend them as part of a client solution.
However, open source is not selected simply because it is free.
Every recommendation is evaluated on its overall suitability.
Technology Neutrality
We do not maintain an "open source only" policy.
Likewise, we do not assume commercial software is automatically superior.
Technology decisions are made based on:
- Business requirements
- Security requirements
- Compliance considerations
- Reliability expectations
- Scalability needs
- Support availability
- Total cost of ownership
In many cases, proprietary software may be the most practical or appropriate option.
Our recommendations are intended to be objective, balanced, and aligned with client interests.
Security & Sustainability Requirements
Before recommending any solution, we consider factors such as:
- Security track record
- Ongoing maintenance activity
- Vendor or community support
- Documentation quality
- Product maturity
- Adoption levels
- Long-term viability
Software that is abandoned, poorly maintained, or introduces unnecessary risk may not be recommended regardless of licensing model.
Open Standards & Interoperability
Whenever practical, we favor technologies that support:
- Open standards
- Industry-standard protocols
- Exportable data formats
- Migration pathways
- Portable architectures
These principles help clients retain flexibility and reduce dependency on specific vendors or platforms.
Transparency in Technology Recommendations
When recommending technology solutions, we strive to explain:
- Why a technology was selected
- Available alternatives
- Expected costs
- Licensing considerations
- Operational responsibilities
- Known limitations
We believe informed clients make better technology decisions.
Our Commitment
Technology should create opportunities, not barriers.
Whether a solution is open source, proprietary, self-hosted, cloud-based, or hybrid, our objective remains the same:
Recommend technology that serves the client's needs, protects long-term flexibility, and supports sustainable business operations.
See also: Client Data Ownership & Portability