(Open) Source of controversy
Open Source is programmes or applications that are free. Examples include MOODLE & OpenOffice. They are free to download, free to copy (usually under certain conditions) and, if you’re a techie, free to develop.
Using Open Source software is always a minefield in learning – one the one hand, institutions strive to make savings and Open Source is free to buy and use, enthusiasts can custom and develop them and, if used in the community, learners can take a copy home for free. On the other hand, Open Source is sometimes untested and can come with very little in the way of security guarantees.
A group of Open Source organisations have now organised a day for IT Professionals around Risk Management and Open Source, “Risk Management in Open Source Procurement”. The event, held in Oxford on March 18, is free of charge but requires registration.
Details can be found here. (http://www.oss-watch.ac.uk/events/2008-03-18/form.xml)
