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In computing, an open system (computing) is a computer operating system that provides interoperability, portability or both, particularly Unix systems.

In the computer sciences, An open system is a collection of interacting software, hardware, and human components

designed to satisfy stated needs

with interface specifications of its components that are

fully defined

available to the public

maintained according to group consensus

in which the implementations of the components conform to the interface specifications

In management science, an open system (system theory) is one that is capable of self-maintenance on the basis of throughput of resources from the environment (Scott). It takes in (raw materials, capital, skilled labor) and converts them into goods and services (via machinery, human skills) that are sent back to that environment, where they are bought by customers. Contrarily a closed system is self contained, does not interact with its external environment and risks to experience entropy.

In the physical sciences, an open system (system theory) is a system where matter or energy can flow into and/or out of the system, in contrast to a closed system, where energy can enter or leave but matter may not. See also closed system.

See also

Open circuit