Shared Balakrishnan at OSIW 2008, "We believe multiple platforms can and will continue to co-exist, and that customers will choose those options or combination of options that suit their needs best. We believe that we should be able to deliver seamless experiences even in such heterogeneous scenarios."
"So we engage with the open source community through industry collaboration as well as open source development, i.e. promoting interoperability with open source software through engagements organised by the Microsoft Open Source Software Lab and on the Microsoft community Web site, Port25. During OSIW, we intend to share our progress on this journey and further work on enhancing our collaboration with the open source community in India," he added.
There is a perceptible shift in areas where open source is making headway. In several sessions at OSIW 2008, the need to adopt a more collaborative approach is being appreciated as open source increasingly makes inroads into day-to-day business applications. An interesting aspect reflecting a growing trend is the growing community of 'FOSS entrepreneurs'. Commented Dr Anthony Wasserman, Carnegie-Mellon University, West, "It is very encouraging to see so many budding entrepreneurs here, I hope they understand that in addition to great technology, it is marketing and selling it right that makes for successful business."
The Delhi programme of OSIW 2008 includes the TechZone – workshops and technical sessions, the Software Development Talks which update software developers with the latest trends, technologies and methodologies in the open source world; while IT Implementation Talks inform IT managers of the latest open source solutions and best practices across a wide spectrum of business verticals and applications. While the workshops, seminars and keynote lectures are being held on 14 February and 15 February 2008, a CXO Summit will also be held on 15 February 2008.
Open source has made significant progress in developing accessibility tools and solutions aimed at empowering the physically challenged community through the use of technology. Visually impaired or people suffering from autism or cerebral palsy are in the need of solutions available in local languages, and the OSS is one hope for them to live an enhanced quality of life. This will be the theme of 'Open Source Solutions for People with Disabilities', which is planned on the 15 February 2008. |