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12-29-04
By David Stauth, 541-737-0787
SOURCE: Scott Kveton, 541-737-9322
CORVALLIS - The Open Source Laboratory at Oregon State University has developed an informational "boot camp" that's available to any business in the Pacific Northwest or around the nation, to learn more about some of the fundamental changes taking place in the world of computer software.
"Open source" software is available to anyone for free, and it's increasingly being applied to a wide range of applications that are common in the business world - word processing, spreadsheets, web browsing. But many business executives know little about this alternative approach to software needs.
OSU software experts, who are among the nation's pioneers in helping to develop and spread the open source concept, say they hope to help fill that knowledge gap. "What we're offering to businesses is an intense one or two-day workshop to answer their questions and help them understand what open source software could do for them," said Scott Kveton, associate director of the OSU Open Source Laboratory. "We'll put together a small team of appropriate experts for the business we're working with. The open source concept can be a huge cost-saver for companies, and its expansion is good for everyone involved."
The OSU laboratory will charge only for travel and expenses to put on a workshop, Kveton said, and can custom-tailor a presentation for any business in the United States. Anyone who wants more information can contact him at (541) 737-9922 or scott@osuosl.org.
Unlike proprietary software, open source programs are available for free to anyone, and the computer codes are also accessible, so the software can be easily changed or adapted to meet individual needs. The programs can be shared, improved and customized. This often results in very high quality software that evolves quickly, can be easily administered, scaled up or down in size, and is less subject to attack by viruses than some more commonly used programs. And no one can argue with the price.
"With the presentations we've made so far to business leaders and their technical support staff, they are often blown away by all of the things you can do with open source software," Kveton said. "They want to know how they can get into the game, and we're able to help them with that."
The workshops provided by OSU include information on open source software quality, available programs, legal issues, cost savings, licenses, indemnification, and many other topics.
"If a business wants to talk with us about open source software, we'll try to find out in advance what their needs are and how open source software might be able to help," Kveton said. "It's not necessarily for everyone, and it's not necessary to use it exclusively. Many companies, for instance, might end up using a blend of open source and proprietary software to best meet their needs. At the end of the day it's about choosing the best tool for the job."
That approach, in fact, is already in place at OSU, a major research university with software needs in everything from scientific research to word processing, human resources, information systems, residence hall management and payrolls. Open source software is now being used for about half of the university's overall needs, Kveton said.
Most medium to larger-sized companies already have technicians in place with adequate expertise to use and develop open source systems, Kveton said. For a very small firm with just a few employees it might be less appropriate, he said.
"We're not in the business of selling this concept and we don't really try to steer people a certain way," Kveton said. "Our goal is just to provide more information about what's available and how it works, and then business leaders can make their own decisions about whether or not it's right for them."
The open source idea has evolved quickly in recent years and sometimes had a reputation for being disorganized or undependable, Kveton said.
"At this point, there are still some improvements that need to be made, but you can say that about almost any piece of software," Kveton said. "Open source software is in fact very good and getting better all the time. A lot of what gets said about it is by people who try to spread what we call FUD - fear, uncertainty and doubt."
The Open Source Lab, which is one of the academic leaders in this field, opened only 10 months ago with a staff of two people. It's self supporting by charging fees for some of its services in helping clients develop open source projects and create new systems. The lab has already expanded to 10 employees and may have a staff of 25-30 by next year.
The lab is also providing an invaluable educational opportunity for OSU students, who have a chance to learn more about open source software development, capabilities and applications through part-time jobs or internships.