* Premiere of 'CeBIT Open Source' in Hall 6
* 'Call for Projects': CeBIT is dedicated to promoting the international open source movement
Formerly regarded as technical gimmicks, open source programs have meanwhile become firmly established with companies and public institutions and provide an effective alternative to conventional software products. Open source applications play an increasingly important role in server operating systems, mail servers, databases and middleware.
More and more producers of embedded systems have now decided in favour of the Linux operating system. One example is the soon-to-be-launched T-Mobile cellphone, which will be equipped with Google's new Android software. This freeware product is embedded not only in the mobile phone itself but also in the various web-based user applications.
'CeBIT Open Source' in Hall 6
The trend towards open source systems will be very much in evidence at CeBIT 2009. For this reason a dedicated display category has been created in Hall 6. From 3 to 8 March 'CeBIT Open Source' will feature all the latest developments in freeware and open source software. The exhibition will be accompanied by a program of lectures delivered by leading exponents of the open source movement. The spotlight will be on practical applications in business enterprises and the public sector.
'The open source movement is a fascinating phenomenon and an important aspect in the emerging 'Web Society',' explains CeBIT boss Dr. Sven-Michael Prüser. 'Like Wikipedia, the open source movement harnesses the enormous potential of the Internet. The entire world is seen as a talent pool whose collective knowledge benefits users all over the globe. In future CeBIT will provide additional support for this open and creative exchange of ideas,' Prüser adds.
Under the motto 'Webciety' CeBIT 2009 will centre bring together all the latest developments at a single venue.
Call for projects
In the run-up to CeBIT the show organizers and Linux New Media AG will call on the international open source community to apply for a place at CeBIT 2009. The emphasis is on projects designed for application in the business sector. Interested parties are invited to submit their detailed project descriptions to www.linux-magazin.de/cfp by 30 October 2008. The most innovative submissions will be selected by an international jury consisting of developers, specialist journalists and members of the scientific community.
The winners will then have the chance to present their open source solutions at CeBIT 2009. The winning products will also be featured in the international and German editions of the online Linux Magazine.
'Linux has spearheaded the application of open source software in international markets. But there is more to open source than Linux. There are lots of smaller yet equally exciting projects that are waiting to make their market breakthrough. Our goal is to present these projects to the digital world,' Prüser emphasizes.
CeBIT Open Source is receiving the support of the Linux Foundation, the non-profit organization dedicated to the continued development of this alternative operating system. Linus Torvalds, the originator of Linux, is employed by this foundation.
'The Linux Foundation is very pleased that such a large and important IT show such as CeBIT has decided to focus on open source software. We look forward to contributing to the lecture program and to fostering the wider application of open source programs,' says Amanda McPherson, Vice President of Marketing and Developer Programs at the Linux Foundation.
- Anne-Kathrin Seibt-
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