Open source initiative score Googlebucks
Open source initiative score Googlebucks
Oct 31, 2005: In more open source news, Google has announced a US$350,000 contribution to a joint open source technology initiative of Oregon State University and Portland State University.
With the grant the universities will be able to collaborate and encourage open source software and hardware initiatives and provide infrastructure to open source communities worldwide.
"Oregon is home to many of the leading companies, institutions and executives driving the global market for open source software and hardware," said Governor Ted Kulongoski. "Google's support will strengthen the leadership role of our universities in fostering the next generation of open source technologies."
This isn't the first donation Google has made to the open source community, having earlier this year funded a US$2 million "summer of code" program which gave over 400 students US$4500 grants to work on open source projects.
Open source software, including the Linux operating system is among the fastest growing technology sectors. Using a collaborative process between commercial vendors, students and communities of enthusiasts, open source development gives users the rights to use, copy, modify and redistribute the software created. Open source technology is increasingly being used across a wide range of systems including desktops, servers and telecommunications infrastructure.
From a niche market of it geeks and software enthusiasts, open source is flourishing. And with more and more companies throwing their weight behind the various communities, the movement is only going to snowball.
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