FOSS@Work: An International Conference-Workshop for Small to Medium Enterprises in the IT Industry

Type: Workshop
Target Group: Developers, senior IT-staff, IT-decision makers within ASEAN+3 small-to-medium enterprises in the IT industry (using proprietary and non-proprietary systems) interested in learning more about Free/Open Source Software (FOSS)
Country: Philippines
Timeframe: November 2006 (12-15)
Partners: IOSN ASEAN+3, InWEnt, University of the Philippines Manila

The International Open Source Network, InWEnt-Capacity Building International, and UP Manila are jointly hosting a conference-workshop on Free and Open Source Software for Small-to-Medium Enterprises in the IT industry. Called FOSS@Work ('FOSS at work'), the event is held at Heritage Hotel, Manila, Philippines from November 12th to 15th, 2006 and brings together interested SMEs from all over the ASEAN+3 region.

The workshop topics include: Overview of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), Business models for FOSS, FOSS collaboration and project management tools, Content management systems, Productivity (OpenOffice + localization), IP-based voice services, Developing multimedia with FOSS, SMS programming with FOSS, and more.

The FOSS@Work conference-workshop provides orientation and technical trainings on FOSS architecture and community management skills, targeting national and regional FOSS developers as well as SMEs not yet working with FOSS. The goal is to increase the developer base for FOSS.

The workshop shall:

* Be an opportunity to network experienced FOSS developers with potential FOSS developers;
* Be an opportunity share experiences, best practices, and create opportunities for collaboration;
* Establish IOSN ASEAN+3 as focal point for further networking activities;
* Enhance the technical skills of developers through power training.

In order to promote FOSS development in the growing SME for IT sector, there is a need to network existing SMEs within the ASEAN+3 region. While there are many SMEs working with and on FOSS solutions, many others in the region are still unfamiliar with FOSS. This conference aims to assist in the acceleration of FOSS adoption by networking both categories of SMEs.