Media release

11 September 2006

The Department of Science and Technology (DST)will host the Open Source Software (OSS) Freedom Day at the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) new offices in Brummeria, Pretoria on Saturday 16 September 2006 from 09h00 to 15h00. Software Freedom Day (SFD) is a worldwide celebration of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). It’s main goal is to educate the worldwide public about the benefits of using high quality FOSS in education, government, at home and in business.

The DST following the world trend is through SFD, wanting to create awareness and promote the benefits of FOSS in South Africa. The DST is committed to a migration strategy to an Open Source IT environment. The National Bioinformatics Network, one of a number of DST-funded biotechnology agencies, has adopted FOSS as a development platform for R&D tools in bioinformatics.

FOSS is software that provides one with the source code and the freedom to modify it and distribute the modified versions. It is free in that users may freely copy and distribute the software. FOSS will benefit those who cannot afford to buy the more expensive packages, such as small businesses and students and promotes small business creation.

Globally the development and use of OSS has reached significant proportions. The potential benefits and the level of maturity model is such that the South African Government should recognise it as a viable alternative, which will in many cases prove to be the preferred approach to software development and application.

Several applications are already in use in Government through projects such as Meraka Open Source Centre and the Centre for Public Service Innovation. The Meraka Institute has prioritised FOSS as a key programme. The State Information Technology Agency has also been instrumental in driving the national FOSS project while formulating its own migration plan.

Government in partnership with industry and society has a key role to play in promoting FOSS. The SA Government is the largest procurer of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the continent. By acknowledging the potential benefits of FOSS, Government can contribute and benefit significantly, especially in the following areas:

• Introducing appropriate policies and legislation that can lead to maximising the return on ICT expenditure through saving on dollar-based license costs and efficiency gains through avoidance of potential lock in and allowing wider choice,

• Stimulating the local software industry. This will lead to better export potential and better capacity locally to satisfy Government’s ICT needs, and will also contribute to significantly to human resource development, especially in the area of ICT, and

• Lowering entry barriers for various kinds of new businesses into the IT industry.

SA is now one of the world`s loudest advocates of FOSS. It is however not alone in this recognition of the benefits of FOSS, and many other nations, including Brazil, France and large portions of Germany have joined the FOSS community. Other countries advocating FOSS include China, Chile, Spain, Thailand, India, and the United Kingdom.

All media is invited to attend.

Issued by the Department of Science and Technology.

For media enquiries please contact:
Kristin Klose Cell: 082-902-9503
kristin.klose@dst.gov.za

For enquiries about the Open Source Software Freedom Day, please contact:
Dawn Zimmermann
Cell: 082 787 0206
dawn.zimmermann@dst.gov.za