Stormy Peters

04 June 2009

Title: Open source is changing the way work gets done

abstract

Open source software is changing not only the way the software industry works, but also the way work gets done. In the open source software model, individuals and companies collaborate together to produce software. They learn new ways of getting work done that are based on meritocracy and little management. In addition, they learn ways of communication that work well across large groups and virtual environments. These new ways of communicating and getting work done are changing the nature of work across all industries, not just the software industry, industries like mobile technology providers and medical equipment. Come learn how the open source software model is changing the way individuals and companies work and collaborate.

biography

Brian Behlendorf

05 June 2009

Title: How Open Source Can Still Save The World

abstract

Many of the worlds' major problems - economic distress, natural disaster responses, broken health care systems, education crises, and more - are not fundamentally information technology issues. However, in every case mentioned and more, there exist opportunities for Open Source software to uniquely change the way we can address these problems. At times this is about addressing a need for which no sufficient commercial market exists. For others, it is in the way Open Source licenses free the recipient from obligations to the creators, creating a relationship of mutual empowerment rather than one of dependency. For yet others, it is in the way the open collaborative processes that form around Open Source software provide a neutral ground for otherwise competitive parties to find a greatest common set of mutual needs to address together rather than in parallel. Several examples of such software exist today and are gaining traction. Governments, NGOs, and businesses are beginning to recognize the potential and are organizing to meet it. How far can this be taken?

biography