Applying Open Source Methodologies to Build Public Health Software Collaboratively

The state of Utah and Collaborative Software Initiative (CSI) created a partnership to develop TriSano, an open source citizen-focused disease surveillance application, which is PHIN-compliant and National Electronic Disease Surveillance System-(NEDSS) compatible. Employing open source software best practices and Lean and  Agile software planning and development methodologies, the project began in November 2007 when Collaboration Software Initiative engaged the local health departments and state representatives, producing a project roadmap which identified 20 releases to be completed during a two-year period. Mike Herrick of Collaborative Software Initiative will discuss the rationale and impetus behind this unique development model, how it was applied in their work with the state of Utah, and how the application will be sustained through an open-source community that has already formed. A state representative involved in the project will share their experience, including why they decided to take this approach, how they experienced the process, and what benefits have been derived to date. TriSano was open sourced in August 2008; commercial support is now available.