Operations Research (OR) can be defined as "research designed to determine the most efficient way to do something." (from hyperdictionary, August 22, 2004). Like other research endeavours, the results are often published in peer-reviewed mathematical journals.

Those interested in implementing techniques found in such journals need not always implement published algorithms from scratch. A growing library of open source OR algorithms is available to make life easier for the mathematically inclined.

Open Source Statistical (or Operations Research-related) Software

For example, there is a project called COIN-OR, which stands for Computational Infrastructure for Operations Research. Hosted by IBM, COIN-OR provides Open Source implementations of reference implementations of Operations Research topics. In their words, "Our goal is to create for mathematical software what the open literature is for mathematical theory."

Another promising project is the R Project for statistical computing. This open source initiative provides an Open Source alternative to the S language for statistical programming. The R Project provides:

• an effective data handling and storage facility,
• a suite of operators for calculations on arrays, in particular matrices,
• a large, coherent, integrated collection of intermediate tools for data analysis,
• graphical facilities for data analysis and display either on-screen or on hardcopy, and
• a well-developed, simple and effective programming language which includes conditionals, loops, user-defined recursive functions and input and output facilities.

Linux Clustering

In the course of optimization research, algorithms may need to be distributed across several computers (see clustering) for many days. Using Linux for these kinds of simulations may reduce costs and increase the speed of the computations.