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Discover Potential, Embrace Growth: Elevate Your Business with Free and Open-Source Solutions!

Start the journey

What is Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)?

Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) refers to software that is both free to use and open for anyone to inspect, modify, and distribute. It emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and community-driven development, fostering innovation and accessibility in the digital landscape.





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How can mintarc help your business?

At mintarc, we specialize in guiding businesses through their Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) journey. Our team of FOSS community veterans offers expert consulting services to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Our Core Services

  • Strategic FOSS Planning: We help you develop a comprehensive strategy for FOSS deployment, tailored to your unique business needs.
  • Implementation and Deployment: Our experts seamlessly integrate FOSS solutions into your existing environment, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations.
  • Ongoing Support: We provide continuous assistance for your deployed FOSS solutions, keeping your systems running smoothly and efficiently.
  • Customized Training: Our team offers in-depth training on FOSS solutions, empowering your staff to maximize the benefits of open-source technology.

Why Choose mintarc:

  • Expertise: Our team comprises seasoned FOSS community veterans who understand the intricacies of open-source ecosystems.
  • Comprehensive Guidance: From navigating licensing complexities to unlocking FOSS benefits, we illuminate every step of your journey.
  • Bilingual Support: Our team offers assistance in both English and Japanese, catering to international companies.
  • Cost-Effective Solutions: Leverage the power of FOSS to achieve significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency

Partner with mintarc to navigate the dynamic FOSS landscape and elevate your business to new heights. Let us be your strategic ally in harnessing the full potential of open-source technology in the digital age

Why consider Free and Open-Source Software?

Cost Savings

FOSS is typically free to use, which can significantly reduce software acquisition costs for organizations.

  • No Licensing Fees
  • Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
  • Reduced Dependency on Vendor Pricing Models
  • Freedom to Customize and Extend
  • No Vendor Lock-In Costs

Ethical Considerations

FOSS aligns with principles of openness, collaboration, and freedom.

  • Openness and Transparency
  • Respect for Privacy and Data Ownership
  • Support for Sustainable Practices
  • Global Accessibility and Inclusivity
  • Avoidance of Vendor Lock-In

Security Benefits

With many eyes on the source code, vulnerabilities can be identified and addressed quickly. The open nature of FOSS encourages a security-conscious community.

  • Rapid Identification of Vulnerabilities
  • Community-Led Security Audits
  • Reduction of Security Through Obscurity
  • Global Collaboration for Security Best Practices
  • Built-In Security Consciousness

No Vendor Lock-In

Even if a particular project's development slows down, the fact that the source code is accessible means that the community or other developers can pick up and continue development.

  • Freedom of Choice
  • Interoperability and Compatibility
  • No Dependency on Proprietary Formats
  • Mitigation of Vendor-Induced Costs
  • Protection Against Vendor Discontinuation
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Our Open Source Commitment through PeppermintOS

We actively contribute to the PeppermintOS project, demonstrating our dedication to open source innovation. PeppermintOS, a Linux-based operating system launched in 2010, offers versatile solutions for both desktop and server environments.

Employing this Linux operating system isn't just a choice; it's a strategic move that revitalizes aging hardware without the need for costly upgrades dictated by proprietary software dependencies. By leveraging PeppermintOS, we can enable the seamless rejuvenation of hardware, breathing new life into systems that would otherwise face the burden of unnecessary expenses. Join us on a journey where technology meets efficiency, sustainability, and the boundless possibilities of open-source innovation.

"Let's see how a few FOSS tools compare to commercial tools"

Video Conferencing Platforms Comparison

Cost and Accessibility

  • Jitsi stands out as the only completely free and opensource option, with no limitations on features or meeting duration.
  • Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams offer freemium models, with basic features available for free and advanced features requiring paid subscriptions.

Participant Capacity

  • All platforms support 100 participants in their free versions.
  • Jitsi potentially allows for more than 100 participants, depending on server capacity.
  • Zoom's free plan has a 40-minute time limit for group meetings.

Security

  • Jitsi provides end-to-end encryption by default.
  • Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams offer end-to-end encryption, but it may be limited to paid plans or require additional setup.

Features

  • All platforms support essential features like screen sharing.
  • Recording
      Available natively in Zoom and paid plans of Google Meet and Microsoft Teams.
      Jitsi requires third-party solutions for recording.
  • Calendar Integration
      Jitsi has third party integration
      Zoom has an integrated client, Google Meet (with Google Calendar), and Microsoft Teams (with Outlook).

Unique Advantage

  • Jitsi stands out as the only completely free option, with no limitations on features or meeting duration.
  • Jitsi is the only platform offering self-hosting options, giving businesses complete control over their data and infrastructure

Office Productivity Suites Comparison

Cost and Accessibility

  • Microsoft Office is subscription-based (Microsoft 365) or one-time purchase. Cloud and desktop versions.
  • Google Workspace is subscription-based, cloud-only. Free version available for personal use.
  • LibreOffice is open-source. Desktop-based with cloud storage options.
  • CryptPad is open-source, only cloud-based self-hosted.
  • ONLYOFFICE is open-source, cloud-based self-hosted options or locally installed.

Key Applications

  • Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Google Workspace Docs, Sheets, Slides
  • CryptPad Rich Text, Spreadsheet, Presentation, plus collaborative whiteboard and kanban
  • LibreOffice Writer, Calc, Impress
  • ONLYOFFICE Document Editor, Spreadsheet Editor, Presentation Editor

Privacy and Security

  • Microsoft Office Standard encryption, data stored on Microsoft servers (cloud version).
  • Google Workspace Standard encryption, data stored on Google servers.
  • LibreOffice High privacy as it's offline by default.
  • CryptPad End-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge policy, Self-hosting option for complete data control.
  • ONLYOFFICE Self-hosting option for complete data control.

Collaboration Features

  • Microsoft Office Real-time collaboration in cloud versions.
  • Google Workspace Real-time collaboration and sharing.
  • LibreOffice Limited built-in collaboration.
  • CryptPad Real-time collaboration with end-to-end encryption.
  • ONLYOFFICE Real-time collaboration in both cloud or self-hosted versions.

Unique Advantages

  • LibreOffice Open-source, license no cost.
  • CryptPad Focus on privacy and encryption, Open-source, no license cost.
  • ONLYOFFICE Flexible deployment (cloud, self-hosted, desktop,Open-source, no license cost).
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mintarc cloud / On - premise / other provider

Choose from a diverse range of FOSS tools, and let mintarc handle the hosting, setup, and maintenance. Leveraging Akamai Linodes for VPS Hosting, we provide a seamless experience without software license fees. Your only costs are for VPS hosting services and the dedicated support we offer at mintarc. Simplify your journey into the world of FOSS with our efficient and cost-effective solutions.

Whether you're already with a cloud provider or looking to strengthen your FOSS infrastructure, mintarc is your solution. Our team excels in seamlessly integrating a Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) structure into your current provider's framework. Elevate your organization's capabilities with mintarc, making the most of FOSS in tandem with your existing cloud partnership. Trust us to guide you toward a more advanced, open-source future.

  • Considering Own Server Setup
  • Migration from the Cloud
  • Hybrid Cloud Management
  • Data Security Prioritization
  • Expert Assistance

Our partners

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get in-touch with us

Please ask us questions!

Email:questions@mintarc.com
Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm JST,
excluding weekends and major holidays
Phone: 050-1720-0641

Current Client Technical Support

support@mintarc.com

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