Expert advice on open source

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OSS Watch is a JISC-funded advisory service that can answer your questions on the use of open-source software, its distribution and development. This includes advice on JISC’s open-source policy that, while not mandating the use of open-source software or licensing, expects most funded projects to take the open-source route. The policy also encourages institutions to ensure they consider open source when looking for solutions that best fit their environment and requirements.

OSS Watch provides many different types of advice. A good first port of call is our website, which will help you understand more about the open-source world, whether you are new to open source or a seasoned open-source developer. We can provide tailored one-on-one consultations with projects or institutions that are using or developing free and open-source software. These consultations are free of charge to UK higher education and further education institutions, and provide an excellent opportunity to receive specific advice and guidance. Once we have answered the fundamental question of “What is open source?”, we can help tackle the equally important question of whether open source is right for your project. If it is, we can help you to understand your legal obligations, engage with open-source development and implement an open-development methodology. We can also advise on how to evaluate open-source solutions and give guidance on what you should be looking for in an open-source community or company.

A crucial time, foremost in everyone’s mind when working on a funded project, is the moment when the funding ceases. Sustainability is the key to survival. OSS Watch can help you develop a sustainability plan. In fact, JISC calls recommend that bid authors consult with OSS Watch (and OMII-UK) in order to examine options for sustainability beyond the initial funding.

In early 2007, the WebPA project requested a consultation from OSS Watch that focussed on sustainability. The project aims to develop an open-source version of an existing, online, peer-moderated marking system, with special focus on building a community support structure. Following a consultation with OSS Watch, the WebPA project took active steps to build a community support structure. It appears that the hard work is paying off, as WebPA are starting to see genuine community activity. Will all this effort make the project sustainable? It’s not possible to predict the future, but we can say this: by consulting with OSS Watch, WebPA have maximised their chance of sustainability.

If you would like to learn more about open source and/or maximise the sustainability of your project, contact OSS Watch.

OSS Watch.

info@oss-watch.ac.uk

www.oss-watch.ac.uk

www.tinyurl.com/5uvtgv