Andreas wrote:
> You might also have a look at PhoSCo:
> http://www.phosco.org/
> http://www.phosco.com/
>
> It is not really Free Software according to DFSG but at least you can get
> the source and it is free of charge for non-commercial studies.
"Not really Free Software"?? Their definition of "non-commercial" is so
limited that you cannot really receive any funding at all - they use the
terms "non-profit Research" and "personal use activities". Small scale
clinical trials done by students and university staff on a non-funded basis
can use the software for free, but any trials funded by other entities
requires payment.
Their prices range from GBP 5,000 for 1 - one - trial to GBP 350,000 for
unlimited number of trials ("enterprise pack"). I would regard that as
clearly proprietary.
A positive aspect of their business model is that they provide all source
code with the product, thus allowing customers a very high degree of
customisability.
I've looked at MedQuest before for this type of trial-management purposes -
the dilemma is that whereas the software is relatively flexible, there's no
source code so you are limited to the options designed by the original
developers. I've also just checked for updates, and it seems the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services (which developed MedQuest) has dropped it from
their website (currently being radically revised). I have a version
downloaded about three years ago, though.
Best Regards
calle
