CorraTech has started an open source project called
OpenSuite under the new GPL 3 license dedicated to the integration of open
source applications.
It describes it as the "glue required to make independently
developed open source applications act as though they were designed to operate
as an integrated suite."
The widgetry is still alpha code, an 0.5 release with
limited functionality. It's expecting to have a 1.0 release by January.
The technology is said to take a SOA approach and supply
server-to-server middleware-layer functionality. It has a number of packaged
business processes that represent logical flows of user actions.
The packs consist of reusable functions combined to create
cross-application workflows so users can navigate between apps, add new
functions and make productivity improvements.
To start, CorraTech will pre-package and pre-integrate
Zimbra e-mail, Centric CRM and KnowledgeTree document management. It will then
add Openbravo ERP.
It is also anticipating adding SugarCRM. Ditto Intalio's
BPMS.
It will support a five-user software appliance.
The ultimate idea is to create single sign-ons, reduce
redundancies, preserve intra-session context, improve productivity and
implement cross-application business processes.
Initially the first Business process Pack will offer single
sign-on and let users manage multiple workflows linking e-mail and documents to
accounts with the customer relationship management system.
CorraTech is looking at building a robust community around
the project and will develop and provide tools.