Chapter 1. About Hortonworks Data Platform

Hortonworks Data Platform (HDP) is an open source distribution powered by Apache Hadoop. HDP provides you with the actual Apache-released versions of the components with all the latest enhancements to make the components interoperable in your production environment, and an installer that deploys the complete Apache Hadoop stack to your entire cluster.

All components are official Apache releases of the most recent stable versions available. Hortonworks’ philosophy is to assure interoperability of the components by patching only when absolutely necessary. Consequently, there are very few patches in the HDP, and they are all fully documented. Each of the HDP components have been tested rigorously prior to the actual Apache release.

Unlike other providers of platforms built using Apache Hadoop, Hortonworks contributes 100% of our code back to the Apache Software Foundation. The Hortonworks Data Platform is Apache-licensed and completely open source. We sell only expert technical support, training and partner-enablement services. All of our technology is, and will remain, free and open source.

To learn more about the distribution details and the component versions, see the Release Notes.

To learn more about the testing strategy adopted at Hortonworks, Inc., see Delivering high-quality Apache Hadoop releases.