Open Source as a term was started in 1998 essentially replacing the "freeware" term that was widely used prior to that.  Open Source is much more than a term, it is a movement in the software development market that has been gaining strength.  If you've followed the computer market at all, then Linux is a term you may recognize. Linus Torvalds and the Linux operating system turned Open Source into the mainstream.  Linux is now installed on roughly 25% of the servers worldwide solidifying the reality of Open Source and its long-term viability.

Open Source Software is created, maintained, and supported by teams of enthusiasts who donate their time and expertise to a project.  These projects are licensed as open, under one of many licensing umbrellas, and anyone using or developing solutions with them has complete access to all of the source code.  This movement has changed the nature of software and solutions by changing the traditional closed source software and high prices to open source and free distribution. 

This Open Source foundation is what allows Experience Outdoors to offer world-class solutions at affordable prices.  Since Outdoors Direct is built using Open Source the expenses associated with traditional software licensing are eliminated allowing for that money to be spent on value-added resources such as design and content.