In the past decade the use of FOSS has grown rapidly in all sectors of society. PRivate Industry, Goverment offices and non-profit organisations have all come to see FOSS as a secure, stable, and cost-effective way to solve a variety of their technology problems.
The non-profit sector adds to the mix some unique philosophical and community oriented arguments to using FOSS.
As more and more FOSS is ready for the somewhat unique requirements of the non-profit sector, and new FOSS projects arise targetted specifically at non-profits, there is even a small tendency for some enlightened funders to see FOSS usage as a distinct advantage.
In this talk I will explore some of the reasons why i see FOSS becoming ever more important in the non-profit sector, as well as giving some examples of successful Open SOurce projects targetted specifically at non-profits.
I'll also share some experiences from more than 10 years of working with and advocating Open Source software in various non-profits around the world.
Tomas Krag is a technology generalist with a focus on Internet technologies, low-cost infrastructure, Free/Open Source Software and grassroots/community approaches to technology.
He is an experienced Linux consultant, systems architect and trainer, with 10 years experience from the non-profit sector.
HE is co-founder of wire.less dk (http://wire.less.dk/), and CTO at Refugees United (http://refunite.org/), an innovative, technology-based non-profit with a open, pragmatic approach to IT infrastructure.
Refugees United is working to provide refugee families with a global, anonymous and user-driven tracing system, for them to reconnect with missing loved ones. Families in search are urged to register with nicknames, scars, former locations and other markers only identifiable to family and close friends. No third party is involved. People to people aid.