Despite code documentation and samples as included on the Geoportal Resource Center, implementers of the Geoportal Extension have continued asking for source code access to support integration with content management systems, map viewers, desktop etc.
Esri listened to these requests and I am happy to be able to announce that:
the Geoportal Extension will enter a next phase in its evolution and become a Free and Open Source solution from Esri.
Seven years ago we created what was then called the GIS Portal Toolkit as a software and services solution, based on code from a number of earlier projects and prototypes for data discovery and map viewing.