The history and future prospects of open data and open source software

Open data for all New Yorkers is the tagline on New York City's open data website. Open government is being promoted at most countries of the western world. Government transparency levels are being measured by the amount of data they share through their online public repositories. Additionally, open source software is promoted at governments, academia, and the industry. This is the new digital story of this century, and the new testament between the Gods of technology and there users. Data and software openness will redefine the path forward and aim to rekindle our collective intelligence. Data and software openness can redefine Data Democracy and be the catalyst for its progress. This chapter provides a historical insight into data and software openness, the beginnings, the heroes, prospects for the future, and all things we cannot afford to negotiate or lose.