[OSGeo-Discuss] Next 5 years for OSGeo

[Maxim Dubinin]

Hi

Local OSGeo chapters are great, but how about existing non-OSGeo groups? Does OSGeo have a strategy to
build communication with them?

Maxim

Вы писали 30 сентября 2009 г., 11:03:35:

>> where the cost of software licenses is far to high for the
>> budgets thay have. Naturally, some of the users use cracks, but it won't be
>> that easy enymore, especially in the domain of web services. OSGeo could
>> support education in FOSS4G in those countries - with active marketing,
>> sending information letters to the bodies responsible for mapping and
>> environment.

FW> I am a big believer in folks "pulling up their own socks" in this regard.
FW> I am dubious about OSGeo trying to seed into countries without local
FW> advocates, but there are things we can do to help support locals who
FW> want promotional and training materials, and some introduction into
FW> international circles.

FW> Hopefully we can also provide an aura of deserved respectability
FW> for our projects that will make it easier for decision makers to take
FW> them seriously.

 >> OSGeo could also participate in dvelopment projects - like
>> those small grants of GSDI, providing FOSS solutions, not mentioning
>> European FP7 projects addressing Africa. For know the quite steep learning
>> curve to get into FOSS4G is very often keeping the potential users away.

FW> There are things we can do, but to a large extent the benefits will go
FW> to those users who realize some investment in learning is worthwhile.

>> Is OSGeo targeting those users now? If you look onto the map of registered
>> members: http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Category:OSGeo_Member, well, not
>> everyone added himself to the map, but enyway, Africa, Asia and South
>> America look quite empty (-;

FW> There are things we are doing now, including holding FOSS4G in South
FW> Africa last year, and making an effort to involve geographically diverse
FW> folks in the charter membership and board.  We have also been supportive
FW> (though perhaps we could be more so) of local chapters where they are
FW> established by local advocates.

FW> But, clearly we still have had only modest success getting folks in
FW> the developing world actively involved in the global OSGeo activities.

FW> Best regards,