The document introduces the Zend Framework. It discusses that the framework is a collection of PHP classes based on PHP 5 best practices. It aims to simplify common tasks, provide a starting point for applications, and demonstrate PHP 5 best practices. The goals of being an industry-leading framework, requiring few dependencies, and having a minimal object hierarchy are discussed. Reasons for creating another framework include keeping PHP competitive and providing clear licensing. Key aspects of the framework like licensing, installation, MVC pattern, input filtering, mailing, and searching are briefly summarized.