Community: The Open Source Weekend

[ Thanks to Dave Edwards for this link. ]

On January 25 and 26, 2003, a coalition of computer professionals, students, and volunteers will host an Open Source Weekend in Ottawa, Canada. The events will be spread across the city and throughout the weekend to showcase the dynamic world of open source software (sometimes called "Free Software").

The Events

Saturday, January 25

This day will feature a number of events at two locations: the campuses of Carleton University and the University of Ottawa.

Carleton University --- 10A.M. to 6P.M. The activities presented by the Carleton Computer Science Society will feature:

• installs of Redhat and Mandrake Linux, and network installs of Debian GNU-Linux
• Linux-For-Beginners seminars
• Practical demonstrations of Linux and its associated applications in action

University of Ottawa --- 10A.M. to 6P.M.

Brought to you by U of O\\\'s Computer Science Students\\\' Association, the activities here will include:

• a trade show featuring companies that produce and use open source software, including IBM Canada, Sun Microsystems, Postgresql Inc., and others.
• demonstrations of various examples of open source software
• installs of any flavour of the Linux operating system
• tutorials, presentations, and films

Sunday, January 26

The Ottawa Canada Linux Users Group (OCLUG) presents the second annual Business of Open Source Software (BOSS) conference. BOSS is a forum for the presentation and discussion of the use of open source software in the world of business.

The Business of Open Source Software Conference --- 11A.M. to 5P.M.

The day will begin with a demonstration of a working, networked office environment using the Linux operating system and some of its most successful software, such as the Apache webserver, and the OpenOffice.org office suite. It will also show Linux in a mixed computing environment with other operating systems. This will be a hands--on activity.

The afternoon brings the conference proper. BOSS' keynote speaker will be:

• Martin Fink, author of "The Business and Economics of Linux and Open Source," speaking on the practical use of open source software in business --- its introduction, integration, and value.

Then, Mr. Fink will join a discussion panel comprising IT and business leaders from the Ottawa region and beyond:

• Danese Cooper, Open Source Advocate, Sun Microsystems
• Eid Eid, President and CEO, OEone
• Jim Elliott, Linux Advocate for IBM Canada
• Joseph Potvin, of Public Works and Government Services Canada; and of GOSLINGS

Organizers

The Open Source Weekend is organized by volunteers from

• OCLUG
• the Computer Science Students Association of the University of Ottawa
• the Carleton Computer Science Society, Carleton University
• the Ottawa-Carleton Unix Users Group
• Algonquin College

Sponsors

The organizers of the Open Source Weekend gratefully acknowledge the support of

• IBM Canada
• Sun Microsystems
• OEone
• Roaring Penguin

Links

• direct email inquiries to info@osw.ca
• the Open Source Weekend --- http://www.osw.ca
• the Business of Open Source Software --- http://oclug.on.ca/boss
• The Ottawa Canada Linux Users Group --- http://oclug.on.ca
• IBM Canada --- http://www.ibm.com/ca
• Sun Microsystems --- http://www.sun.com
• Roaring Penguin --- http://www.roaringpenguin.com
• OEone --- http://www.oeone.com
• "The Business and Economics of Linux and Open Source" --- http://makeashorterlink.com/?B22414542
• GOSLINGs --- http://www.goslingcommunity.org

Related Stories:

• ITBusiness.ca: The Pros and Cons of Open Source Computing(Dec 14, 2002)
• ItWorld Canada: Open Source: Looking for an Opening(Dec 06, 2002)
• Canopener.ca: Government of Canada Funds Open Source Business Opportunities Study(Nov 27, 2002)
• LinuxPlanet: Linux in Canada: Are We Going Open Source Yet?(Jul 22, 2002)