A new software company has sprung out of Lindon-based computer services provider DirectPointe, whose CEO has quit to direct the new corporation.

Michael Proper has left his management post at DirectPointe to become president and CEO of CentralPointe, also based in Lindon, DirectPointe Chief Operating Officer James Martinos has taken over from Proper as president and CEO of that company.

CentralPointe aims to fill a demand for cheaper, simple-to-operate computer systems that can run software from a variety of sources.

"It's easier to use and it's much less money," Proper said Wednesday of the company's operating system.

He added that CentralPointe was launched to market software and services based on the open-source Linux server platform.

Linux is a cheaper alternative than traditional commercial software such as Microsoft's Windows. CentralPointe also has put together a blend of open source and other software such as Google's free online programs to market to small businesses or larger ones that operate smaller offices in different locations.

In addition, CentralPointe offers cloud-computing services, those that are based in large clusters of computers and can deliver software applications, storage options and management services.

Open source means the Linux program is available for free to the public and that companies can modify it and use it to create and sell programs and services. Use of Linux can significantly drop the cost of computer software.

Following the open source model, CentralPointe has made its software available to developers who can add or modify it. Its CentralPointe Server can be downloaded and used for free, with the company selling services and maintenance.

Proper said the company has created a simple Web-based interface that would allow someone who is not familiar with operating computer systems to manage their own system.

"If you can read you can do it," he said.

Proper remains co-chair of the board of DirectPointe, which manages computer systems for other companies.

CentralPointe was created as a separate company from DirectPointe because it offers a fundamentally different product, said Proper. But he said CentralPointe will offer customers services from DirectPointe.

DirectPointe claims clients in all 50 states and 29 foreign countries

tharvey@sltrib.com