OSIA launches open source national body
OSIA launches open source national body
Open Source Industry Australia has launched a national body that aims to educate the corporate, government and education sectors on how to take better advantage of free open source software and businesses on how to market their solutions so there will be more competition in the market and less monopolies.
The OSIA is looking for 4-500 members to join this national body as members over the next two years. It aims to bridge the gap between knowledge about the open source industry for sellers and buyers so that industry can thrive and produce better results.
The Corporations, government and education sector will be able to rely on the OSIA for advice on which are the best companies to approach for open source software. They will also receive analytical breakdown about the best products, risk assessments and results comprehensive research across the industry.
OSIA member Adam Donnison of Saki Computer Services welcomed all businesses, professional developers and consultants who work partially or predominantly within the Open Source arena to become members: "This is a new and growing industry and we can deliver benefits for all concerned by banding together to achieve our common goals. By joining now you can help set the national FOSS industry agenda.
OSIA member Adam Crow, managing director of DCLABs added: "We estimate that there are presently over 500 businesses, consultants and professional developers who could benefit from the member services that OSIA offers. We also want to grow this sector, along with the rest of the Australian ICT industry. Open Source brings substantial benefits and advantages to both consumers of software technology as well as locally based producers and suppliers. We will work towards communicating and realising these benefits for all concerned."
The OSIA hopes it will give businesses a chance to really make the most of their products and increase a healthy level of competition in the market. They don't want the I.T. industry to keep swapping between monopolies.
Recently, the Tasmania government turned down a bit by Telstra for a broadband contract because they wanted to give smaller business a chance to win the tender.
OSIA co-ordinator, Con Zymaris added: "It might take about 3/5 years to standardise the industry, but we want to create an equal playing field for smaller businesses to compete adequately in the open source market. This is better for customers and also business too. Competition means that better quality products will be sold at cheaper prices and the industry will be able to thrive with many companies offering solutions instead of just a few. Through educating businesses, we want tol help them achieve their goals faster with lower cost too."
Related Article: