Table 1

Reasons for deciding to release software under an open-source license

To encourage reproducibility, extension and general adherence to the scientific method

To ensure that the code is open to public scrutiny and comment

To provide full access to algorithms and their implementation

To provide to users the ability to fix bugs without waiting for the developer, and to extend and improve the supplied software

To encourage good scientific computing and statistical practice by exhibiting fully appropriate tools and instruction

To provide a workbench of tools that allow researchers to explore and expand the methods used to analyze biological data

To ensure that the international scientific community is the owner of the software tools needed to carry out research

To lead and encourage commercial support and development of those tools that are successful

To promote reproducible research by providing open and accessible tools with which to carry out that research

Gentleman et al. Genome Biology 2004 5:R80   doi:10.1186/gb-2004-5-10-r80