» ClassNavigator Open Source!

What is open source software?

    "In general, open source refers to any program whose source code is made available for use or modification as users or other developers see fit. (Historically, the makers of proprietary software have generally not made source code available.) Open source software is usually developed as a public collaboration and made freely available."


Information Technology Johns Hopkins, http://it.jhu.edu/glossary/mno.html

For further information on Open Source Software visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source

What does this mean for ClassNavigator?

This means that the source code for the ClassNavigator Web System is available free of charge for download from www.classnavigator.com. Detailed instructions on how to setup and maintain the ClassNavigator Web System are also available. Should the organization or school have the necessary skills in house, the ClassNavigator Web System can then be installed on a web server and used by learners, educators and parents. The organization or school can also decided to use a different company to setup and maintain the ClassNavigator Web System.

In addition to this the source code can be modified and adapted by schools and individuals.

Why has ClassNavigator done this?

ClassNavigator believes that the best way to serve the South African education market is through an Open Source system. By making the web system Open Source schools experience a number of benefits:

  • Cost benefits
  • Freedom of choice when selecting a supplier
  • Permission to modify the system as required

ClassNavigator hopes that by making the system open source additional schools will be able to benefit from the system and that new features will be added at a more rapid pace. Other businesses involved in education can now extend and enhance the ClassNavigator Web System. These new feature can then be shared with all schools.

What does a school need to install and maintain the ClassNavigator web system?

  • ClassNavigator requires a webserver (website) which supports PHP (PHP is a programming language) & Mysql (Mysql is a database system). We recommend Hetzner (www.hetzner.co.za) for web hosting.
  • IT person who is familiar with PHP & Mysql to install and maintain the system.

How difficult is the system to install and maintain?

For a person who has experience with PHP & Mysql the ClassNavigator Web System is relatively easy to install (detailed instructions are provided).