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Advancing the Concepts & Practices of Information Resources Management in Modern Organizations

OSS for Vital Public Projects

OSS for Vital Public Projects
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Author(s): Amanda Dambrouckas (Rensselaer University, USA)
Copyright: 2003
Pages: 4
Source title: Information Technology & Organizations: Trends, Issues, Challenges & Solutions
Source Editor(s): Mehdi Khosrow-Pour, D.B.A. (Information Resources Management Association, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59140-066-0.ch305
ISBN13: 9781616921248
EISBN13: 9781466665330

Abstract

I believe that open systems are the key to increasing the rate of information availability and technological progression in our global society. I am convinced that a concentrated effort in open development will benefit society as a whole. I consider open development to be especially valuable in the context of vital projects. By vital, I refer to causes that contribute to the well being of society as a whole. Examples of these critical causes include medical research, defense, communications, and environmental resource maximization. My theory is that if we can achieve the progressive speed, quality, and reliability that past open source projects have in working for these causes, we will see an overall improvement in human life. This is the ultimate goal. I am not the first person to see open source advantages: “Benefits are manifold... for education, non-profits, people/groups who simply can’t afford them.”1 My plan for open advocacy involves four major steps: 1. Spread awareness about the possibilities of open development for vital projects. Concentration should include educating a team/community of open developers, and then government/ influential organizations. 2. Communicate with members of government/organizations to determine their goals. 3. Develop prototype projects within the open community in order to prove the validity/possibilities of open projects to organizations associated with vital projects (AMA, Nasal, NIH, NSF, DOD, etc). 4. Begin open development for vital projects (medical research, alternative energy sources, communications).

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