FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who uses open source softwares?

Google runs on  Linux. Both yahoo and Google use open source
database mySQL. Most websites on Internet run on free web server
from Apache.

Is open source becoming popular because it is free?

Large corporate who can afford to buy software are embracing open
source software because it allows them better control of the software.
They can modify the code anytime they need. They are not tied down
to the financial stability of the organization providing the software.
Reducing dependency on the software vendors is the most important
reason for the use of open source software and not the cost
associated with it. Infact most large organizations know the fact that
the cost associated with open source softwares is higher than the
proprietary softwares. But the cost is worth it in terms of allowing them
full control on the software.

What do I gain by being a open source software developer?

With the increasing popularity of open source softwares in large
enterprises the need for skilled IT professionals in these areas is
increasing. With experience in these software even before you start
your career gives you a headstart over others.

How can I be a part of Open Source Movement India?

Simply tell family/friends the ideas listed on our website and
encourage them to take advantage of these opportunities.

Students : Consider joining an open source development community.
Use our "Links" (provide a link to Links section) section to explore what
would you like to do. Involve your friends and help them take
advantage of this opportunity

Professors/Teachers : Encourage your students to take advantage
of this golden opportunity which can help them become very
successful in this age of IT

Others : Spread the word.

Business Owners/Small enterprise managers : Look at our idea "
One Man Enterprise " on our Homepage.

Senior Manager(Large Enterprise) : Look at our idea  "Large
Enterprise" on our homepage.

What are the core objectives of this group, called Open Source
Movement India?  Why Open Source Movement?

To contribute towards employment growth & economic development of
India via increasing the IT market share of India from 5% to over 50%.
We are working on various ideas to achieve this objective. The most
prominent among these is the open source movement India which
advocates enrolling into the open source development community at
an early age for students.

Has it been registered as any legal entity?

Group is not registered as a legal entity as yet.  We are still in our
nascent stage. We will  register as our group strength grows.

What is the current size of this group?

Current size is 25 members.  We are growing steadily on a daily basis
as the word is spreading. We are targeting 100 members by Dec 2004
and 1000 members by mid next year which will give us enough
strength to spread like fire from there on.

When was this group launched?

13th September  2004  

What level of awareness are your’ll carrying about?

We want to reach out to every student in India between the age of 12
and 20  who have access to computers and make them aware of the
opportunity which is available in Open Source. Once we have some
success in that area we will look towards bringing this opportunity to
the less privileged who does not have access to computers.

What it the role of the members of this group, is there any
active involvement, or is it plain advocacy?

It is Advocacy only at this stage.  Depending on how the group grows
and the involvement level of members, some members might take
active involvement.

How are you going to influence premier institutes like Aptech
and NIIT to include open-source modules?

We have to justify a business model to them. We have to explain to
the  decision making employees of these institutes that by including
this in their courseware they are increasing the chances of students to
be extremely successful in life which in long run will help their future
growth.

How to spread the word about group?

Coverage from independent media would give us a lot of impetus in
garnering larger support for this noble cause.  Also, if companies,
schools, colleges become a part of this movement, then we will
definitely reach our objectives. This is not a movement for Open
Source Software, but a movement for INDIA, Open Source is a via
media for a successful India with opportunities for everyone.