Editorial: Stable funding for open source software?

Bleasby examines the issues surrounding the funding of open source software projects, which has been brought into sharp focus by the continuing uncertainty over the future of the EMBOSS package. Among other things, EMBOSS has always followed the principle that scientific software, like any other true scientific venture, should be open to review by the authors' peers. This implies that the source for such software should be downloadable at not cost or, at least, at a cost that does not prejudice any real or potential scientist.