The document summarizes the Open HeliSphere project which aims to make the source code and bioinformatics pipeline for Helicos Genetic Sciences' single molecule sequencing platform openly available. The project will provide access to pre-release source code, documentation, and data through an open source website and infrastructure while dual licensing the code under GPL and commercial terms. The document outlines Helicos' hybrid open/commercial development model and provides details about their single molecule sequencing technique and bioinformatics pipeline for digital gene expression analysis.