About us

It All Started with a Vision for Better Technology Consulting

Applied Open Source, LLC was founded on a simple idea: small and mid-size organizations deserve the same level of technical expertise and architectural discipline as large enterprises, without the overhead and complexity. From the beginning, the focus has been on practical solutions built with open, well-understood technologies. Over the years, Applied Open Source has delivered projects across software development, web and mobile applications, CRM and ERP implementations, infrastructure, and security. Each engagement has reinforced a core principle: technology should serve clear business outcomes, not the other way around.

From Open Source to Applied AI

As the technology landscape evolved from traditional on-prem systems to cloud, open source, and now AI-driven solutions, Applied Open Source evolved with it. Today, the firm specializes in combining modern AI capabilities with robust open-source platforms to create solutions that are both powerful and maintainable. Applied Open Source brings together:
  • 30+ years of experience in software engineering, architecture, and systems design
  • Hands-on work with regulated and compliance-sensitive environments
  • Deep familiarity with open-source stacks, cloud infrastructure, and integration patterns
  • A pragmatic approach to AI that emphasizes measurable business value over hype
The mission is clear: make practical AI accessible to small and mid-size organizations by leveraging a disciplined engineering mindset and the best of open-source and cloud technologies.

How Applied Open Source Works

Every engagement starts with listening. Applied Open Source takes the time to understand existing systems, processes, constraints, and goals before proposing a path forward. From there, work is structured around:
  • Clear outcomes: Statements of work with defined objectives, scope, and success criteria.
  • Small, high-impact pilots: Initial projects designed to show value quickly and reduce risk.
  • Transparent architectures: Full visibility into designs, configurations, and code.
  • Knowledge transfer: Documentation and collaboration that empower internal teams to own solutions.
Clients can choose between one-time projects, pilot programs, or ongoing advisory and support, depending on their internal capacity and roadmap.

What Sets Applied Open Source Apart

  • Business-first mindset: AI and technology are evaluated based on their impact on revenue, cost, risk, and customer experience.
  • Open and flexible stack: Preference for open-source and interoperable components to avoid lock-in.
  • Hands-on engineering depth: Ability to work at the code, data, and infrastructure level—not just at the slideware level.
  • Long-term perspective: Focus on solutions that can be evolved and maintained as your organization and the AI ecosystem grow.
Whether the need is a new AI-powered solution, an upgrade to an existing system, or a roadmap for modernizing an entire stack, Applied Open Source is built to be a trusted partner for the next phase of your business evolution.

Meet our Founders

Carlos Fernandez

My passion is computer science! As a seasoned technologist with more than 20 years of experience, I have been responsible for the design and implementation of cross platform solutions for large, midsize, and start up companies.

Prior to relocating to Florida in 2004, I owned and managed my own information-consulting firm in the New York Metropolitan Area. Once I moved to Florida, I worked as a Software Architect, where I developed a rules engine and mortgage compliance system that directly contributed to revenue growth from $5 million to $128 million in two years.

I have certifications and training in CFR-Part 11 Validation, Oracle Databases, Microsoft Database, Sales Force Administration and various programming languages and mythologies including Microsoft and Open Source. Additionally I am a certified SCRUM master, which comes in handy as the proud father of four children!

Don Whipple

I am an enthusiastic sales and operations professional with 20 years in building new customer relationships, account management and operational excellence.

My background includes varied leadership roles such as Enterprise Account Manager, Business Development Manager, and Senior Account Executive for technology companies and internet startups. In these positions, some of my clients have included AT&T, Hewlett-Packard, Oracle, Intel, Real Networks, International Data Group, and Travleport, to name a few.

Over the years, I remain humbled by each client success story and grateful for those on the horizon. As the cofounder and managing partner of Applied Open Source, my commitment is to be impeccable with my word and always do my best. As a native of New Jersey, I pride myself on my WYSIWYG personality and endless curiosity. In other words, be prepared for a lot of questions!

My hobbies include exploring great places to eat, watching movies, and spending quality time with family and friends, especially with my partner, Michael, and our little girl, Lita — the most spoiled dog in South Florida.