Report on the Africa Source II Conference
Date of Conference: 8-15 January 2006
Venue: Kalangala - Uganda
Objectives: To build capacity of Free and Open Source Software for local communities in Africa
Over 130 technology professionals from all over Africa converged to discuss practical issues related to the deployment of Free Open Source Software. There were three main tracks during the conference and I attended the one dealing with issues peculiar to Educational Institutions. In addition there were very valuable afternoon sessions which concentrated on hands-on technical skills sharing.
Free Open Source Software (FOSS) is that software which is built based on open standards. Everybody has access to the software code and it is possible to edit it and customise if for specific purposes. This software is freely available without the need for any down payment. FOSS is clearly the best thing that has happened to the developing world because the alternative solution, which is Proprietary Software, is out of reach for communities in the developing world. Proprietary Software is expensive and requires the payment of regular license fees.
Many ask what the business sense behind FOSS is. The fact that FOSS code is not sealed, promotes an unprecedented level of innovation. It also means the money will be made from the customisations that will be needed to suit specific unique needs. It also means the money will be made from consultancy and support given to user organisations.
At this workshop I learnt that FOSS has become a viable alternative to Proprietary Software and it is important that as an Educational Institution we become aware of the good FOSS solutions with which we can replace current Proprietary Solutions that we are using which are costly to sustain.
Africa University already uses FOSS in the following areas – the mail server runs on Linux and the Learning Management System is based on Moodle. There are more opportunities for the deployment of FOSS in the student labs and offices – Linux replacing the Windows Operating System and Open Office replacing the usual Microsoft Office.
Being an Educational Institution, however it is also in our interests to expose our students to all environments – Open Source and Proprietary, so that they can function in the real world. Definitely huge savings can be accrued in terms of licensing products such a Windows and Office for the labs and staff offices. Currently we paid US$40,000 on software licensing for this year.
Opportunities Identified
- The ICT Department will engage in activism to change the bandwidth situation for Educational Institutions in Zimbabwe. Bandwidth was identified as a major stumbling block. Organisations such as Open Society Initiative are willing to work with us in the process of lobbying and capacity building towards being able to influence policy and regulatory bodies.
- The ICT Department will set up at least one FOSS lab to create awareness among students and staff in terms of what FOSS is capable of.
- The ICT Department will run a FOSS workshop to inform the surrounding communities about the opportunities that come with FOSS.
- A possible Translation Project to be housed at Africa University. This project would focus on the localisation of Linux for the Zimbabwe environment – e.g. translation of the spell checker to Shona and Ndebele.
- Proposed adoption of a school such as Hartzell and helping the teachers to use the FOSS resources available for primary and secondary education.
- Contribute towards building technical Linux skills among African women through the AfricaLinuxChix Association that I joined. This will start with women from the ICT Department and AU students who are interested in technology.
- The introduction of FOSS certified training such as OPENICDL to be offered at AUITTC.
