Two years, two persons... and some impact

What do you achieve with a fledging organisation, and a rather limited amount of manpower? Quite a bit, it seems, if you follow the Free Software/Open Source mode of functioning. Or so says the IOSN.

Two and half years ago, the United Nations Development Programme's APDIP launched a network called the International Open Source Network. Don't get mislead by the name though, it works with both Free Software and Open Source. And, while the IOSN gets upto ten queries a day from all parts of the globe, thouh its mandate is specifically focussed on Asia and the Pacific.

"Lots of people in Asia-Pacific have been doing work (on Free and Open Source Software) long before we got started. But we did not know who they were, where they were located, and what exactly they were doing," says Shahid Akhtar, APDIP's co-ordinator.

So, after IOSN's launch came FOSSAP-I (Free and Open Source Software Asia-Pacific Consultation) which was held some 18 months back in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Today, IOSN.net is working on 'three pillars' -- free and open source software, open content, and open standards.

IOSN also supports FOSS R&D (on issues like localisation), helps build capacity (with its toolkits, primers and guide-books), organises hands-on camps for people to learn about FOSS such as its involvement in the recently held ( AsiaSource camp for non-profit and civil society organisations.

IOSN also helps to build training kits, and has backed advocacy-events such as Software Freedom Day.

"All this is the work of two persons," says Akhtar, with some pride. But then he goes on to add that in addition to the two persons working virtually -- Sunil Abraham in Bangalore, India and Khairil Yusuf in KL, Malaysia -- what IOSN manages to do is dependent on so many others across Asia-Pacific "who have shared their time and more generously, their knowledge base", as Akhtar puts it.

Akhtar pointed out that IOSN's work has been recognised by governments, large corporations and even groups like the Business Software Alliance (that have paid close attention to what the IOSN is saying).

Akhtar points out that countries like Malaysia and Vietnam have national FOSS policies in implementation. There are also major Free/Open Source Software events coming up in various parts of Asia. Pakistan held one a fortnight back where thousands participated, he said. Sri Lanka has another ambitious event this month itself. The Philippines is planning anothe revent in two weeks time. "FOSS has now a momentum of its own," says Akhtar.

In the future, IOSN plans to create three sub-regional centres -- in South Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific Islands. Check out how this set-up links with FOSS enthusiasts, governments and others, specially if you're part of the Asia-Pacific region.