free & open source software brings huge benefits to developing world
08:51, 4 December 2006
.. Posted in techculture and tech to help.. Link
Breaking Barriers: The Potential of Free and Open Source Software for Sustainable Human Development - A Compilation of Case Studies from Across the World -- this free publication (103 pages, PDF), features 14 projects using free and open source software (FOSS) to help bring about socio-economic development and empower people in developing countries or regions in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Latin America. The benefits obtained, challenges encountered, and lessons learned are highlighted. The benefits offered by free and open source software (FOSS) have been extremely useful for developing countries around the world. In particular, the ability to obtain and upgrade FOSS without licensing fees has proven to be beneficial to users in these regions as this makes information and communications technology (ICT) more affordable for them. With the publication of this compilation, it is hoped that there will be greater awareness of the ability of FOSS to empower and help poorer and less developed communities. This publication is the first in the trilogy of UNDP-APDIP ICT4D Case Studies due out. This compilation of free and open source software (FOSS) case studies is a joint initiative of UNDP Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme, the http://www.iosn.net">International Open Source Network, the International Development Research Centre of Canada, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
