LINCProject.org: Building An Open Source Office

“This article is meant for people who are interested in
deploying open source software in Grassroots Organizations. It
should be of particular interest to non-profit technology
assistance providers working with small resource-strapped
organizations. Grassroots organizers, as well, may be interested in
our overview of what it takes to bring open source into their own
organization.

“The Low Income Networking and Communications (LINC) Project of
the Welfare Law Center has helped over 40 low-income led organizing
groups use technology more effectively. When we learned of
Microsoft’s decision to discontinue support of their older
operating systems, including Windows 95, we began to explore the
idea of using GNU/Linux, a free operating system that works well
with older computers. With or without manufacturer support, we were
also troubled by frequent crashes, prevalence of viruses and other
problems associated with Microsoft Windows. LINC set out to test
the viability of building an open source office in the hope of
improving our ability to provide stable desktop systems on donated
computers.

“GRO, or Grass Roots Organizing, is a Missouri community based,
non-profit organization with 300 dues paying members (about 75%
low-income), 4 Staff people (2 half time) and an annual budget of
nearly $200k…”

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