| Description: | The Open Source Software (OSS) and Linux Overview Briefing is a half-day presentation designed to enhance delegates awareness of Open Source and of the opportunity it presents to large organisations for efficiencies, improved performance and cost-savings across the IT function. The session comprises three main parts: the OSS Big Picture; a description of Linux; and a review of the principal application software suites available to run on OSS platforms. Open Source is a much wider subject than Linux; much of the value of this Overview is to be found in positioning Linux in the context of Free Software in general, while also considering legal, licensing, support and compatibility questions that have a practical impact on provision of a viable enterprise IT service. |
| Audience | This Overview is suitable for IT Managers and Directors, general Business Managers and Directors, and Project/Programme Managers. All of these need a high-level view of OSS and Linux and how the maximum business benefit, and cost savings, can be derived from use of these technologies. |
| Objectives | On completion of this Briefing, delegates will:
- Be able to define the terms Open Source and Free Software, understanding the implications of both for enterprise IT systems and licence obligations.
- Be aware of the main Linux variants and their principal components.
- See that Linux has become a viable alternative back-end server operating system to compete with Microsoft, UNIX and mainframe offerings.
- Be familiar of the available OSS application software suites, their operational and file-format compatibility with current mainstream applications, and the potential for licence-fee savings where the enterprise adopts OSS applications.
- Have been introduced to the process and operational aspects of migrating to and maintaining an OSS IT environment. |
