Tux Watch

Do we really have to explain every time something that is very open and proven worldwide. The context of this question is actually Linux in the enterprise and the best examples we already have are enterprises of the Internet era including giants like Google and Yahoo. These organizations have long reaped the benefits improved efficiency, reliability and cost savings for years with their online. I believe “YES” we will have to continuously advocate the benefits of FOSS and Linux continuously as more and more people turn towards exploring the FOSS option.

Being biased to the fact that people should now know it because its all out there is not an appropriate perception. If this would have always been the case then why do we have to educate people to become Doctors, Engineers, Computer Scientists, Astronauts, Policemen etc.

The beauty about FOSS is that it has evolved into a discipline in the world of Computer Science and Information Technology and one can do a complete Masters level degree with research in Open Source Software. A good example is the MSc Open Source Computing by the University of Lincoln [here].

Lincoln University’s MSc in Open Source Computing addresses the development of FOSS systems from the technical aspects through to the wider impacts on society in terms of business and social change. The students recieve the opportunity to gain expertise in a variety of FOSS business models, design methods, and technologies through intensive study units involving related laboratory based practical experience and a research project with a substantive system design and implementation element.

The program addresses one of the most unique technological phenomena of the 21st century, giving students the opportunity to gain the skills necessary to launch a successful career in the area of FOSS. By combining technical, social and business-related skills within a multidisciplinary framework, Lincoln University ensures that its graduates will be able to fulfil a variety of roles in FOSS computing in commerce, industry, and within the public services with a broad understanding of issues that are vital to fulfil a useful role in any part of a team.

The program also provides coverage of deeper and emerging issues that will influence the development of FOSS and its wide spread adoption over the next decade, building on the unique experience of an internationally-active Distributed Software Engineering research group. The program covers the following units:

• Introduction to Open Source Software and OS Case Studies
• Object Oriented Design and Development (UML and Java)
• Advanced Software Engineering for the Internet
• Distributed Computing with Open Source components
• Project Preparation and Professional Issues
• Open Web Technologies and Service Development
• HCI, Multimedia, Graphics, and Human Factors in OS
• Open Source Business Models
• Project and Dissertation