An open forum is being held to establish the Pacific Free and Open Source Software Group (pfoss) aimed at promoting free and open source software (FOSS) in the South Pacific. The group seeks to increase awareness, provide resources, and build a community around FOSS, catering to local needs through training and support. Goals include organizing events, creating a resource base, and conducting outreach programs to engage and educate the community about FOSS alternatives.

1. Open Forum for FOSS Enthusiasts on the creation of A Pacific Free and Open Source Software Group “pFOSS” Ankita Raturi [email_address]

2. Agenda: Brief Presentation of pFOSS Proposal

3. FOSS User Experience

4. Discussion Session

5. Official Establishment of the pFOSS Group via signatures of Interested Participants Wednesday 24 th March Open Forum for FOSS Enthusiasts

6. FOSS = Free Software + Open Source Software

7. "Free Software is Free as in Free Speech not Free as in Free Beer" GNU: http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html

8. Free Software Freedom 0: The freedom to run the program, for any purpose Freedom 1 : The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you wish. Access to the source code is a precondition for this. Freedom 2 : The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbour. Freedom 3: The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others. By doing this you can give the whole community a chance to benefit from your changes. Access to the source code is a precondition for this. Free Software Foundation: http://www.fsf.org/philosophy/free-sw.html

9. " Open source software features open code, so more programmers are able to view the code, create new functionality, and fix bugs. This follows the same natural way that science has developed over time " Yang, Chen Nan; Taoism of Open Source , http://www.linux.com/archive/feature/119429; (September 29, 2007)

10. Is required to adhere to the following criteria: 1. Free Redistribution 2. Availibilty of Source Code 3. Allow Derived Works 4. Integrity of the Author's Source Code 5. No Discrimination against Persons or Groups 6. No Discrimination against any fields of endeavour 7. Distribution of License 8. License not Product Specific 9. License does not restrict other software 10. License is technology-neutral Open Source Software Open Source Initiative: http://www.opensource.org/docs/definition.php

11. &quot; < 9% of organizations use FOSS < 2% of individuals understand principles underlying FOSS ~ 30% of individuals have tried to use FOSS. &quot; However what is promising is that almost 70% of individuals questioned in these same studies, have shown an interest in learning more about FOSS , perhaps then eventually using it. FOSS Statistics in the Pacific Schütz, Marko; Free/Open Source Software in Pacific Island Countries , (2006)

13. Immense potential for capacity building in the implementation of FOSS in Pacific Island Countries. Pacific Free and Open Source Group

14. To live in a society that is aware of and embraces Free and Open Source Software. Vision

15. To create A sustainable FOSS community in the South Pacific that is dedicated not only to the proliferation of FOSS knowledge , but is also contributing to FOSS development and in turn catering to community needs such as training and assistance in FOSS use and implementation. Mission

16. Goal 1: Awareness Create an awareness in the South Pacific region about various free and open source software as viable alternatives to proprietary and/or closed software. Goal 2: Knowledge Make available resources and training in the South Pacific region regarding various free and open source software. Goal 3: Community Sustain a thriving and diverse community of interested parties in free and open source software in the South Pacific region. Goals

17. Call for Participants [Open Forum!] Officialize the existence of the pFOSS Group Initialize Regular Meetings Create a basic resource base [website] Begin FOSS Awareness programs, working towards goal 1. Initial Roadmap

18. Tentative Overarching Process Awareness Adaptation Migration Sustainability

19. 1. FOSS & You Awareness program to inform the general public about FOSS and how it can be incorporated into their lifestyles. Celebrate events such as Software Freedom Day, Ada Lovelace Day, SysAdmin Day etc Method: Seminars, Documentation, Info sessions 2. Alt Apps! (Alternative Applications) Awareness about exisiting FOSS alternatives to proprietary/closed software. Allows for gradual transition to FOSS. Method: Seminars, Workshops, Distribution Potential Programme Ideas

20. 3. High School/Foundation Outreach Programme Students & young people are open to change. This program aims to ensure that the next generation is FOSS friendly and aware of the issues that face the Computer and Technology fields. Method: Seminars, Documentation, Workshops, Courses 4. Linux Distributions An introduction to the not-so-daunting alternative FOSS operating system. Programme would focus on creating an awareness and assisting in the transition to Linux. Method: Seminars, Documentation, Workshops, Distribution Potential Programme Ideas

21. [FOSS User Experience]

22. Questions? Comments? Ideas? Share FOSS experiences, Current FOSS activities, Your expectations/wish-list for pFOSS, Willingness to participate in pFOSS, Statements of support … etc Open Forum for FOSS Enthusiasts Discussion Session Contact: Ankita Raturi [email_address]

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