<incom> FW: [Gov 482] TR: Open Source in ICT - Bridging the digitaldivide inAfrica

[Anriette Esterhuysen]

Hallo Michael

Yes.. this sounds just like a commercial IT 
conference targeting the business community.  
And I am not sure how this message ended up 
on incom.

But, let me be devil's advocate....

Is appropriation of FOSS by business not 
precisely what we want?

How will things change if alternative models, 
ideas remain on the margins or the preserve of 
activists?

Of course the struggle continues and we 
should be aware of how innovation rooted in 
challenging the status quo can be incorporated 
and 'neutralised'.  This is true of FOSS as well.

Nevertheless, I think it is great that FOSS has 
become mainstreamed in the places like  South 
Africa, India and Brazil.

This mainstreaming challenges monopolies like 
Microsoft much more effectively than uptake of 
FOSS in the NGO community.

Anriette

-----Original Message-----
> From: incom-l-bounces at incommunicado.info
> [mailto:incom-l-bounces at incommunicado.info] On Behalf Of Michael
> Gurstein Sent: 09 April 2008 19:36 To: incom-l at incommunicado.info
> Subject: <incom> FW: [Gov 482] TR: Open Source in ICT - Bridging the
> digitaldivide inAfrica Importance: High
> 
> Hmmm... An "open source" conference for "Bridging the Digital Divide
> in Africa" that has a registration fee of (approx.) $1000 USD.
> 
> MG
> 
> 
>   _____  
> 
> De : Michelle Marais 
> Envoyé : mercredi, 9. avril 2008 09:44
> Objet : Open Source in ICT - Bridging the digital divide in Africa
> Importance : Haute
> 
> 
> 
> Open Source in ICT  
> 
> "Bridging the digital divide in Africa"
> 
> 13th to 14th May,2008
> 
> FNB Conference Centre, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa
> 
> Please find attached the Open Source programme and registration form
> as per above.
> 
> Open Source software presents an opportunity to cut costs, see inside
> the software, demystify technology and understand the design so that
> all users can adapt technology to meet their own needs. It is widely
> seen as the key enabler for developing countries to achieve
> technological self-determination. Open source can reduce total cost of
> ownership, enhance security, and create a vendor-independent network
> based on interoperability and open standards. Open source software
> also provides the opportunity to break free from the shackles of
> proprietary systems and expensive upgrades. The use of open source
> software will "maximise the value of ICT budgets" through savings on
> dollar-based license costs and efficiency gains. 
> 
> Hear first hand experience of how successfully open source software
> can work with existing applications, seamlessly integrating into your
> current infrastructure, and harness the benefits of using open source
> in the Public Sector.
> 
> 
> 
> Due to the high demand and interactive nature of this event, seats are
> limited and seats are only confirmed once the attached, signed
> registration form is completed and faxed back to Michelle Marais at
> The Business Zone 1073 on +27(21)557 1218
> 
> Kind regards
> 
> 
> 
> Michelle Marais
> 
> Corporate Sales Line Manager
> 
> The Business Zone 1073
> "Conference, Corporate Training & Networking Specialists" 
> 
> 
> 
> Tel :+27(0) 861 829 663
> 
> Tel: +27(0) 21 521 4400
> 
> Fax:+27(0) 21 557 1218
> e-mail: mmarais at businesszone.co.za
> website: www.businesszone.co.za <http://www.businesszone.co.za/> 
> 
> 
> 
> "It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do
> yourself." Eleanor Roosevelt    
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------------------------------------------------------
Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director
Association for Progressive Communications
anriette at apc.org
http://www.apc.org
PO Box 29755, Melville, South Africa. 2109
Tel. 27 11 726 1692
Fax 27 11 726 1692