Three New Open Source Centres of Excellence
in Asia and the Pacific Region
http://www.apdip.net/news/opensourcecentres
==============================================================
In order to address the growing information and technological needs of
the Asia and Pacific region, the International Open Source Network
(IOSN) has established three new Centres of Excellence - IOSN ASEAN+3,
IOSN PIC (Pacific Island Countries), and IOSN South Asia. Together,
these Centres will continue the research and development, networking,
institutional strengthening, and training undertaken by IOSN over the
last three years to advance the adoption of free/open source software,
open standards, and open content across the region.
Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) is software that can be used, copied,
studied, modified and redistributed without restriction. These freedoms
that are for all - developers and users - are highly significant to the
developing world as FOSS represents a viable alternative to the
traditional licensing model that can help to free up public funds.
Affordability aside, the adoption of FOSS also presents opportunities
for industry and capacity development, software piracy reduction, and
localization and customization for diverse cultural and development
needs.
IOSN has been a catalyst in the regional dialogue on FOSS. It has been
and continues to be involved in policy development, awareness raising,
research, and training. IOSN has fostered a network for advocates and
practitioners who volunteer and contribute to the IOSN portal
<www.iosn.net> and shape the work of IOSN.
In launching IOSN ASEAN+3, the Chancellor of the University of
Philippines, Manila, Professor Ramon L. Arcadio, noted that "UP Manila
is a leading advocate of free and open source software in the
Philippines and that together with its many partners, it aims to sow the
spirit and philosophy of open source design and development, and allow
it to permeate the ASEAN+3 region."
At the launch of IOSN PIC - which is hosted by the University of the
South Pacific on behalf of a consortium involving the South Pacific
Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC), Secretariat of the South Pacific
Community (SPC), and Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society
(PIC-ISOC) - USP's Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Esther Williams, noted
"The low cost, adaptability and suitability of FOSS for community
development makes it highly appropriate. The establishment of an IOSN
PIC in the region will promote its many advantages to the communities of
the region."
SOPAC's Director, Cristelle Pratt, pointed out that, "SOPAC is extremely
mindful that the deployment of FOSS in its member countries will be
essential to leverage the costs for both the implementation and
sustainability of all future project initiatives."
SPC's, IT Manager, Sam Taufo, pointed out the fact that "FOSS and IOSN
PIC will help maximize the returns from scarce resources."
The PIC-ISOC Chairman, Rajnesh D. Singh, also noted that "For a region
scarce in resources (both human and financial), the FOSS concept
represents a wonderful opportunity for Pacific Islanders to not only use
and learn new and effective software, but at the same time, be able to
participate in the development of such software. This participation can
be on many fronts, including contributing to core code, or to
adapting/translating such software to suit local languages and
cultures."
On IOSN South Asia, hosted by the Centre for Development of Advanced
Computing in Chennai, India, Dr. S. Ramakrishnan noted that, "CDAC is
committed to fostering FOSS through its research and development and now
we have the opportunity to network and share our experience through IOSN
South Asia. By leveraging the experience already in existence in India
and South Asia and networking with the main players, we will be able to
help advance FOSS adoption in the region."
The International Open Source Network is an initiative of the
Asia-Pacific Development Programme (APDIP), a regional programme of the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); it is supported by the
International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada.
For more information, please contact:
Phet Sayo, UNDP-APDIP
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Alvin B. Marcelo, IOSN ASEAN+3
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Derek Gardiner, IOSN PIC
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
M.R. Rajagopalan, IOSN South Asia
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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