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

Sun Apr 13 19:25:47 CEST 2008

This is an interesting discussion. Different FOSS based
organizations/network are facing similar problems and are trying to curve a
solution out in their own strategic way.  Let me give you an interesting
example here. Purpose is to seek your inputs whether you know similar case
study, reports or research done in the area of FOSS appropriatization or
long-term support service development for a FOSS based
network/organization. 

Recently, Bytesforall Bangladesh has received a request from Bangladesh
Open Source Network (BDOSN- www.bdosn.org) to develop a business strategy
for that organization. Bangladesh Open Source Network (www.bdosn.org) is a
non-profit organization that promotes/localizes FOSS software tools,
applications or services in Bangladesh and helps different Government, NGO
and private sector bodies in adopting FOSS tools. Their awareness raising
and motivation part worked very well and now they find themselves into the
painful trap of their own success in providing support services to others.
They are getting lots of requests that they cannot handle because they are
mostly a volunteer- driven organization and run mostly by the subscription
fees of all members. So here is is the context and we’re trying to work
together to find out what organization and financial sustainability model
we can follow without loosing the volunteers spirit of the network. 

I look forward to hearing your experiences on similar projects. 

Partha

On Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:04:03 -0700 (PDT), Steve Cisler <sacisler at yahoo.com>
wrote:
> I certainly agree with Anriette on each item. The point has been made
that
> aside from Red Hat there has been very modest commercialization of other
> open source businesses. Most seem to be design and consulting groups. At
> the drupal conference earlier this year http://acquia.com/ was introduced
> with the creator drupal in a key position.
> 
> I work with social entrepreneurs and most of them have gotten past the
> ambivalence that many people in NGOs,  collaborative projects, have about
> money, but they understand the complexity of these issues.
> 
> 
> Anriette Esterhuysen <anriette at apc.org> wrote: 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:  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  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> "It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do
>> yourself." Eleanor Roosevelt    
>> 
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