====================
Application carriers
====================

An :term:`application carrier` is the :term:`product carrier` of a given
:term:`Lino application`.

Responsibilities of an :term:`application carrier`:

Plans the :term:`software product` and decides about its destiny.
Decides which features to add or to remove.
Does strategic decisions.

Provides a :term:`product manager` and an :term:`development provider`.
Provides :term:`expert support` service to :term:`site operators <site operator>`.

When a given :term:`Lino application` is being used on only one site, the
:term:`operator <site operator>` of that site is also the :term:`application
carrier`.  Otherwise the application carrier is a separate legal person by which
several site operators collaborate and maintain the application as their shared
project.


.. glossary::

  support provider

    A :term:`service provider` who provides :term:`support` to the :term:`end
    users <end user>` of their customer. Usually also writes and maintains
    :term:`end-user documentation`.

  product manager

    Finds new business partners.

    Explores the market and formulates strategic choices

  application expert

    Centralizes the requirements of all users and negotiates priority conflicts.

    :term:`site experts <site expert>`



.. toctree::
   :maxdepth: 1

   whocanhelp
   lifecycle