Press Release: 21 November 2005

Exploding Open Source myths at ict forum wales

Internationally renowned Linux developer Alan Cox, joined fellow Open Source experts to discuss the opportunities Open Source Software can offer business, at "Operating with Open Source" on 21 November 2005 during ict forum wales 2005.

In exploring the opportunities, Cox, a kernel developer for Red Hat, set about exploding many of the myths surrounding Open Source, including the so-called "Slash Dot Myth" that Linux is the only true operating system, and that Linux is written by students. Cox told delegates that Open Source Software has much to offer, but that they must use the right tool for the right job.

Cox defined the strong points of Open Source Software as reduced risk, with no single controlling vendor; reduced cost, with often lower licence costs and a wide selection of free applications; and increased configuration options, as access to the source code allows users to modify and redistribute software.

Cox did acknowledge that the limited selection of desktop applications may put many off, but stated that while Open Source Software is not the solution to every problem it is getting there and offers users a true alternative.

Graham Oakes told delegates that Open Source Software is becoming much more practical for businesses, and is now a viable alternative in education.

Mark Taylor of the Open Source Consortium is a long term user and practitioner of Open Source Software. He allayed the concerns of delegates by explaining that Open Source Software is interoperable - the open standards used allow many types of software to work together. Through case studies Taylor explained the process of gradually migrating business from proprietary to Open Source software, and said that it should be treated in the same way as proprietary software in business, with due consideration of training implications and software development.

The three speakers agreed that organisations should not blindly adopt technologies, but should instead seek advice from experts to establish the best course of action for their business.

The event was supported by Technium.

ict forum wales 2005 is organised by ITWales in collaboration with Swansea University and the University of Wales Bangor. The programme is supported by the Welsh Development Agency and part financed by the European Social Fund.

For further information and interviews please contact Sali Earls, ict forum wales press office, tel: 01792 513382, or email: info@itwales.com.

Useful Links:
ITWales - www.itwales.com
Welsh Development Agency - www.wda.co.uk
Technium - www.technium.co.uk
Red Hat - www.redhat.com
Graham Oakes - www.grahamoakes.co.uk
Open Source Consortium - www.opensourceconsortium.org