Browse Definitions :
Definition

open system

What is an open system?

In computing, an open system is a platform that can be modified and extended and has freely available documentation. An open system might also be called open architecture or Open Source. Its opposite would be a closed system, sometimes called proprietary or closed source.

Characteristics of open systems include making available the source code, which can be used for understanding and possible modification or improvement; portability, which allows the system to be used in a variety of environments; and interoperability, which allows the system to function with other systems. Open systems are usually modular, which allows for portions to be added, removed or modified as needed without affecting other portions.

The term open system was first used in the 1980s. It was applied to the Unix operating system, which had well-documented programming interfaces and hardware compatibility. This contrasted with the popular mainframes or personal computers that used proprietary hardware and software.

The Linux operating system fully exemplifies the open system model.

Today, the term open source is more commonly used to refer to open systems. This is even true for open hardware standards. For example, the Tesla motor's charge port has been released as an open standard, now called the North American Charging Standard.

Open source by the numbers infographic.
Open systems are sometimes referred to as open architecture or open source.

What is an open system in systems theory?

In systems theory, an open system is a system that interacts with other systems by having inputs or outputs. A closed system is one that is totally self-contained and does not input or output anything.

As an example of an open system, consider the human body. It requires the inputs of food and oxygen to continue to function, and it outputs carbon dioxide and other waste, which must be handled by other systems. Earth, as a whole, can be considered a closed system, as nothing generally enters or leaves it except the energy from the sun.

The concept of an open or closed system can also have value in business and software design. The inputs and outputs of a company or process can be analyzed. Software can be designed to be entirely self-reliant or to exchange data with external programs and sources.

An open system might also be fully transparent, or open to inspection by outsiders. For example, in an open government, all government documents are available to the public, and anyone can attend or view meetings of the legal bodies.

Consider these open source cloud platforms and tools and these open source cloud monitoring tools. Learn the difference between open core vs. open source.

This was last updated in July 2023

Continue Reading About open system

Networking
  • firewall as a service (FWaaS)

    Firewall as a service (FWaaS), also known as a cloud firewall, is a service that provides cloud-based network traffic analysis ...

  • private 5G

    Private 5G is a wireless network technology that delivers 5G cellular connectivity for private network use cases.

  • NFVi (network functions virtualization infrastructure)

    NFVi (network functions virtualization infrastructure) encompasses all of the networking hardware and software needed to support ...

Security
  • virus (computer virus)

    A computer virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to a program or file. A virus can replicate and spread across an ...

  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

    Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is an advanced certification that indicates that an individual possesses the ...

  • cryptography

    Cryptography is a method of protecting information and communications using codes, so that only those for whom the information is...

CIO
  • IT project management

    IT project management is the process of planning, organizing and delineating responsibility for the completion of an ...

  • chief financial officer (CFO)

    A chief financial officer (CFO) is the corporate title for the person responsible for managing a company's financial operations ...

  • chief strategy officer (CSO)

    A chief strategy officer (CSO) is a C-level executive charged with helping formulate, facilitate and communicate an ...

HRSoftware
Customer Experience
  • martech (marketing technology)

    Martech (marketing technology) refers to the integration of software tools, platforms, and applications designed to streamline ...

  • transactional marketing

    Transactional marketing is a business strategy that focuses on single, point-of-sale transactions.

  • customer profiling

    Customer profiling is the detailed and systematic process of constructing a clear portrait of a company's ideal customer by ...

Close