Introduction
OpenSprings Modules are a new set of open-source, cross-platform C++ libraries. They are based on the never released Hotline 2.0 developed by Hotline Communications. A Press Release with full details is below.
Quick Summary
When finished, the libraries will cover Core functions, GUI, XML, Multithreading & Synchronization, Database Access, Encryption, Networking, File Systems and Multimedia. They will comprise a complete set of components needed to build almost any kind of cross-platform application. Supported platforms will include Win32, Linux & Mac OS X. The libraries are dual licensed GPL/commercial. Developers can choose the first for open source apps, the second for closed source. This set of libraries is unique because they were developed as part of an integrated application rather than as a set of diverse tools.
Fuller, more technical documentation is included in the download files. The demos comprise 3 small applications that show some of the properties available. This release is Windows only and includes the Core and GUI modules. There are also some elements of the File and Multimedia modules to support the demo apps.
Press Release
When finished later this year, OpenSprings will be a comprehensive, cross-platform open-source set of C++ development libraries. The modules comprise a full suite of pre-fabricated elements to help developers quickly extend their applications with sophisticated functionality.
The finished suite of libraries will encompass modules for Core functions, GUI, Encryption, Networking, File Systems, Multimedia, XML, Multithreading and Synchronization and Database Access. Developers will benefit from efficiencies in cross-platform coding, from re-usable code modules, and from the flexible licensing terms. Together with the innovative technology underlying the modules, these benefits will deliver a compelling new approach to the development task.
In an effort to ensure the greatest possible utility to the greatest audience of developers, the Modules have been released under a dual licensing regime. Those using the modules can choose the widely recognized GPL, or they can purchase a commercial license from Hotsprings. This allows developers maximum flexibility in utilization of the Modules. Those developing open source code can use the libraries for free under the GPL. Those developing closed source code can do so with a cheap commercial license. The commercial license itself has a novel degree of flexibility. Customers can license the modules by Module version, by time period or for a particular release window. This aspect of the licensing gives small shareware authors access to a first-class set of tools with little up-front cost.
One of the key objectives of the project is to fully support Windows, Linux and MacOS. We expect to come as close as practicable to a "write-once" environment. This first release is Windows only and contains the Core and GUI modules. However, much of the underlying cross-platform infrastructure is already in place and can be seen in the project files. Developers can compile with GCC, CodeWarrior8 or MS VisualC++. Set-up files and compile instructions are included.
Even on their own, the Core and GUI modules provide an exceptional set of tools for application developers. C++ remains the workhorse for application development. The Modules will make development tasks faster and easier. The libraries also provide pre-fabricated objects to extend an application's capabilities. For example, someone developing an IM application will be able to drop in the Encryption Module for seamless transaction security.
C++ remains the workhorse language of development around the world. However, the large commercial IDE vendors pursue the more glamorous Java and .Net technologies. There is a paucity of new tools for C++ developers. OpenSprings is the first entirely new toolkit based on up to date concepts and standards.
Hotsprings Inc. acquired the assets of Hotline Communications Ltd., including the rights to all its intellectual properties such as Hotline Connect, Hotline Client, Hotline Server and the Hotline Tracker, in late 2002. The core of Hotsprings Inc consists of former employees, stockholders, and enthusiasts of Hotline Communications Ltd and its Hotline Connect software.
Hotsprings was created to support the existing user community, and to create software based on Hotline's visionary 2.0 product. The Hotline community has been in existence since 1996, and represents one of the oldest peer-to-peer communities on the Net.
Hotsprings creates end-user oriented software like the popular Hotline Connect. OpenSprings is for open source projects based on the Hotline 2.0 code base. Crossprings is a hub site for P2P news and links.
