The SFPP3 framework is part of the effort at INRA to facilitate the distribution of industrial decision tools written in high-end mathematical language (C++, Matlab, Scilab…) without limiting third-party license restrictions and with minimal rewriting. Contrary to prior versions of SFPP, whiwh were only available on-line, SFFP3 can be deployed to any company or laboratory and on major operating systems (Windows XP/2003/Vista/7 32/64 bits and Linux 32/64 bits). SFPP3 computational engines include more than 40 different primitives to solve partial differential equations, to perform Monte-Carlo and pseudo Monte-Carlo simulation, molecular modellng, 2D/3D rendering with transparency, statistical analysis... All these computational engines can be easily connected to local or remote databases.

Applications compatible with the SFPP3 framework, so-called SFPP3 applications, are available through a Web interface. As a result, they can executed as standalone or remote applications, over a local area network or even over internet. Using group policy, a same project can be shared from different places by several users. Results can be exported in several formats including HTML, images, PDF and native XLS (when Excel is also installed on the server).

As SFPP3 is HTML-centric, a new industrial application (which corresponds to a specific need) can be created by any web-designer with basic knowledge of HTML, CSS and Javascript. Best experiences are obtained with modern web browsers using the last layout engine and application framework (Firefox 3.x, Google Chrome 2.x, Safari 4.x). Despite its limited support for open web standards, Internet Explorer 7 and 8 are supported (with less performance).

By design, the SFPP3 framework complies with strong requirements of traceability. All inputs and outputs are uniquely stored and chronologically interalated. A complementary form of data integration deals with reuse across simulation models themselves to create templates.

The rapid delivery of decision tools demands a framework of principles and supporting documents that promotes sharing and appropriately protects the intellectual property rights of the creators while permitting commercial development when optimal to bring products and tools into use for the public good.
Academics are always granted of a free software licence. When modified versions of SFPP3 are distributed, they must be distributed under the same terms as the original one, in particular with all its documentation included. Besides, the new license and the documentation must preserve the name of the author and must recognize that the original SFPP3 was developed and funded by INRA (The french National Institute for Agricultural Research). The name of INRA cannot be used to promote derivative products based on SFPP3 without permission.
Industry and private companies can get a non-exclusive license to use one or more copies of SFPP3 from INRA or from a third party. By default, private companies do not have the permission to sublicense or to redistribute SFPP3 without a specific agreement with INRA or with the author. In particular, there is a specific concern of INRA to protect intellectual property and to provide the incentives necessary to fund further research and to invest in the significant costs associated with bringing robust software to the general marketplace.