Goals
Abstract
Spootnik is a name that embraces several OpenSource software packages. The initial name was given to a mail system comprised of an SMTP server, an IMAP server and a POP3 server which was an end-term CS school project. The name and a part of the team stuck.
Long story short, we strive to:
Write secure software
This is the topmost priority for spootnik software. Good software is well-written and well-written software doesn't have bugs. Among the things done to improve and warrant secure software:
- Constant code audit: This is done by regularly going through all our projects and find bugs. As often as possible all code is read by all developpers.
- Deny all attitude: Our software follows the least possible privilege model.
- Mitigation techniques: To reduce the impact of a break-in, we use mitigation techniques such as chrooting whenever possible.
- Follow the KISS principle: The KISS (Keep It Small and Simple) Principle is a ways of saying that bloat is unwanted.
- Produce readable code: Code should be simple to read. Not necessarily over-commented, but clean and readable.
Be standards conformant
Spootnik software is RFC compliant where applicable. This is really a big matter since most Spootnik software is targetted at communication, where interoperability is key.
Provide good documentation
Each project is documented early in the development cycle and provides information for users, developpers and administrators. Documentation will be available on this site as well as in manual pages.
Use a Free license
Spootnik chose the BSD license for all projects. This license gives total freedom to the developpers and users of the software. It is in our opinion the best around.
/* * Copyright (c) 2005 Pierre-Yves Ritschard * * Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software for any * purpose with or without fee is hereby granted, provided that the above * copyright notice and this permission notice appear in all copies. * * THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND THE AUTHOR DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES * WITH REGARD TO THIS SOFTWARE INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF * MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR * ANY SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES * WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER IN AN * ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS ACTION, ARISING OUT OF * OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE. */