Introducing OpenArc Labs: Where Open Source Meets Real-World Engineering

If you've been following OpenArc for a while, you know we're all about building awesome software and helping companies find the talent they need to thrive. As the CEO and co-founder of OpenArc, I've always believed in the power of transparency and collaboration—it's been at the heart of our consulting work since we started back in 2010. Today, I'm excited to pull back the curtain on something new: OpenArc Labs.

What is OpenArc Labs?

Simply put, OpenArc Labs is our dedicated space to give back to the developer community. Here, we'll be sharing open source software that's been battle-tested by our consulting team. These aren't just side projects—they're tools and solutions we've built while solving real problems for clients, and we want others to benefit from them too.

But it's not all code. We'll also dive into insider tips on software engineering, drawing from our years of experience in custom development, tech strategy, and staffing. Think practical advice on everything from agile workflows to modern tools like devcontainers that help teams ship higher-quality software faster and more securely.

Why "Labs"?

The name "Labs" captures our experimental, innovative spirit. From day one at OpenArc, we've been passionate about open source because it embodies the idea that transparency builds trust. It's not just a buzzword for us—it's how we operate as a consulting firm, whether we're crafting bespoke software or assembling top-tier teams.

OpenArc Labs is our way to show our work. We'll share the software we've created so you can use, tweak, or contribute to it. More importantly, we'll pull back the layers on how we think about engineering great software: the decisions, the trade-offs, and the lessons learned from real-world projects. It's about fostering a community where developers can learn, collaborate, and level up together.

Why Now?

Timing is everything, right? A couple of things aligned perfectly to make this happen. First, AI has revolutionized how we build and maintain websites. It's now easier than ever to launch something polished and keep it fresh without a ton of overhead—perfect for a project like this.

Second, with Mike Carpenter stepping up as General Manager of our Consulting Services group, we've got more leadership bandwidth to focus on initiatives like Labs. Mike's been instrumental in driving our custom software division forward, and his promotion earlier this year has freed up space for us to invest in sharing our knowledge more broadly.

We're pumped about this next chapter and can't wait to see how the community engages with it. Whether you're a developer looking for open source goodies or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of software consulting, OpenArc Labs is here for you.

Stay tuned for our first releases and posts. In the meantime, check out our main site at https://openarc.net or drop us a line if you have ideas or feedback.

Thanks for reading,

Joel Reed

CEO & Co-Founder, OpenArc