4SITEForum : Panel 3: The Power of Open Source in Pushing Innovation in Developing Countries

Session Discussion

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Starts:: Tuesday, November 17 2009 at 1:15 p.m.
Ends:: Tuesday, November 17 2009 at 2:15 p.m.
Location:: Auditorium 1 (Level -2)
Description:: Panel 3: The Power of Open Source in Pushing Innovation in Developing Countries; Speakers: Mahmoud Abu-Warde, Baraka Group; Philippe Khalaf, Collabora; Moderator: Rabih Nassar, Element^N
Speakers:: Mahmoud Abu Wardeh , Philippe Kalaf

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burger
Nov. 14, 2009

1. Why Open Source is innovative by nature

2. The importance of Open Source in today's world

3. Why Open Source in developing countries?

- Free, no cost - public and private sector benefits

- Collaborative process encourages learning, cooperation and innovation

- Localisation where commercially not viable for traditional software vendors

- Create local FLOSS knowledge resulting in a potential industry that can be easily exported

- No corruption with Open Source

4. Great example - Brazil

5. Risks/blockers to FLOSS adoption in countries

   - Internet infrasctructure

   - No obvious commercial/job opportunities yet

   - Corruption can block use of FLOSS
burger
Nov. 14, 2009

5. - Language barrier - English is required
Kevin
Nov. 17, 2009

Can the growing adoption of open source in a developing economy provide significant opportunities for the growth of a local software industry? (consulting, customization, training, support etc.)