Q1. What is DTS?

A1. The Distributed Terminology System (DTS) was developed by Apelon to provide robust and comprehensive support for the acquisition, management and deployment of terminologies, code sets, and mappings. DTS supports standard terminologies, potentially with local enhancements, as well as local terminologies, and terminology subsets, in both production and back office environments for a wide range of healthcare applications (although the software is in no way limited to healthcare).  DTS is a proven suite of Java-based terminology software components organized in a three-tier architecture.  The DTS Server supports Java and C# client APIs for uniform access to multiple terminologies housed in a relational database.   DTS includes a web-based Browser and an extensible desktop Editor, along with a suite of extensible plug-ins for import, export, query and enhanced display.  For further information, request the DTS White Paper.

Q2. What is Open Source Software?

A2. Unlike traditional proprietary software distribution methods, open source software is freely available for use, modification and enhancement by an essentially unlimited number of users. Open Source software has been successfully applied to a number of modern software efforts including Eclipse, Linux, Java, JBoss, and Tomcat. Learn more about Open Source at the Open Source Initiative (http://www.opensource.org/).

Q3. Where do I get the open source version of DTS?

A3. DTS is now available on the SourceForge web site at http://apelon-dts.sourceforge.net/

Q4: Is Open Source DTS the same as the DTS Apelon has been providing?

A4. Yes. All the components of DTS will be in the SourceForge distribution including sources for the server, management utilities, DTS Browser, DTS Editor, and DTS Editor plug-ins. Standard user and operations documentation is also included.

Q5. Do I still need to license DTS?

A5. Before downloading DTS from the SourceForge site, you will have to accept a standard open source license agreement. Apelon has chosen to make DTS available under the Apache Version 2 license, a very liberal, non-viral open source agreement. See http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0.html. The Apache 2 license permits you to freely use, modify and distribute DTS.

Q6. Can I integrate DTS into my applications?

A6. Yes. According to the terms of the Apache 2 license, both vendors and end-users can freely integrate DTS into their applications and distribute derivative works as long as it is done in compliance with the Apache license (v2).

Q7. Is DTS still copyrighted?

A7. The DTS source code still reflects Apelon’s copyright, but extremely broad rights to use the source code are granted under the open source license.

Q8. Can I change and enhance DTS?

A8. Absolutely. Since every licensee will have access to the DTS source code, you will be able to customize and enhance DTS to meet your particular terminology requirements, without having to reinvent a base terminology platform.

Q9. Do I have to submit my enhancements?

A9. No. The use of the Apache 2 license means that organizations need not submit their modifications and enhancement to the community.

Q10. Can I participate in ongoing DTS software development?

A10. Yes.  We welcome submission of source code enhancements for potential inclusion in DTS.  We’d also like to facilitate a community development process involving interested parties, so please contact us if you might be interested.

Q11. Will any enhancement I submit be included in the next version of DTS?

A11. Individuals may enhance DTS in ways that are inconsistent with enhancements made by others. As with other open source projects, evaluation and comparison of submitted enhancements will occur. As much as possible, this evaluation will be made collaboratively with other members of the DTS community.

Q12. Who will manage DTS and coordinate new releases?

A12. Apelon will be managing the content on the SourceForge site and intends to put new versions of DTS and corresponding documentation there on a regular basis.

Q13. Can Apelon help me develop additions to DTS?

A13. Apelon’s consulting organization is keen to work with organizations to develop new features and capabilities for the DTS platform. If broadly desirable and if the client allows, these additions may be incorporated into subsequent DTS releases.

Q14. Will Apelon continue to support DTS?

A14. Apelon continues to provide support and customization services for DTS. These services range from software support (including voice, email and web access); terminology subscription content; training courses on DTS operations, modeling, and programming; and software and content customization. See the DTS Software Support Services page for additional information on our DTS services offerings.

Q15. What about content for other open source terminology servers?

A15 We envision subscription content and content-related support for other open source vocabulary servers such as LexGrid. We will make an announcement when our offering is ready. Please let us know if these offerings would be of interest.

Q16. Why is Apelon making this change?

A16. As scientists we believe that it is the right thing to do, and as business people we believe it will increase the number of DTS users, which will result in more opportunity for software support , subscription content, and consulting services.

For more information about open source DTS or Apelon’s DTS support programs please complete the information request form.