We are constantly looking for new products and new systems. Before we adopt and utilize products in our designs, we qualify them based on a complicated evaluation process that involves manufacturer reputation, manufacturer support model, historical support model for legacy products, product line versatility, software tools, software libraries, and much more. However, no system is acceptable unless it qualifies as an OPEN system based on our definition for an OPEN system. Basically, the following questions must be answered as affirmative:

Is the platform for the product an OPEN platform?
Can the owner buy products including controls from the manufacturer or distributor directly?
Can the owner procure service and support for the system from multiple local vendors or contractors?