[ILUG-Cochin.org] Promotion of FREE Software in the State ( Phase 1: define goals and tasks )

[Sameer Mohamed Thahir]

Hello All,

ILUG Cochin had a wiki now @
http://ilug-cochin.wikia.com

The discussions of the meeting and the summary and objectives article at
http://ilug-cochin.wikia.com/wiki/Converting_Kerala_to_Free_Software

It needs lot of editing so get started now. :)

Thank You
Regards
Sameer Mohamed Thahir


On Monday 25 May 2009 12:38 PM, Roshin Roy wrote:
> Hello
>
> I was expected to update the WiKi with the thoughts that we had 
> discussed in yesterdays ILUG meet. I hope somebody who has access to 
> the WiKi will get it done after we initiate a thread in this 
> mailing-list to discuss any major change in the ideas that is listed. 
> I thought I will make an outline document on our thoughts to structure 
> the "*Promotion of FREE Software in the State*" initiative. As 
> discussed in the meet, it is always good to break the larger project 
> into smaller taskes that can be managed independently. To start with, 
> *we need a vision* that will guide our activities. Secondly, we have 
> to *define our mission* for us to be clear with, and for the rest of 
> the world to understand. Finally, we have to *state our objectives* 
> that can be further classified to *tasks* that can me closely 
> monitored and evaluated.
>
> I suggest we all spend some time to state the ultimate purpose of this 
> activity and then work on defining and documenting a clear action plan 
> before we start acting on this. We could consider this as Phase 1 ( : 
> to define our goals and Objectives )
>
> Mission : "To promote the use of FREE software in the state by 
> spreading awareness that will generate appreciation for FREEDOM"
> Objectives of the group that will help progress towards the goal. (* 
> **Note: this is just a few thoughts that need to be discussed, 
> revised, and documented before we move to the next step* ).
>
> *1. Empower the new generation to choose freedom *
> *Programs for Students*
> for the sake of targeting and designing programs that generate 
> interests, we could segment this class into two or three.
> Std 1 to Std 7 ( junior ), Educational applications, Kidstuff, Tux, 
> Fun tools, Games - an event where a demo of all these can be done
> Std 8 to 10 ( High ), Blogging, Office Applications, Extensive use of 
> school comps to support non IT education, need more thinking on this
> Std 11 to Std 12 (Pre Univ), Help them choose their path. Clear 
> awareness about the FOSS movement and FREEDOM
> Degree Students can join the movement and contribute to it.
> *Programs** for Teachers*
> The issues that teachers are facing is already discussed. This has to 
> be worked on.
> *Work with Universities for a change in IT/Comp syllabus*
> Very large project that needs expert academicians. A team has to be 
> formed for this activity and their objectives has to be clearly 
> defined before they venture into this activity. The 'community based 
> curriculum' initiative can be a part of this activity.
>
> *2. Support the government on their path to bring FOSS** into the state.*
> This can be taken up as a separate project. There are other movements 
> that work for this cause and it would be a vice thing to be very aware 
> and updated on the progress of the government in this area.
> - suggest, change, request - policy changes that will promote FOSS
> - extend technical support and consultancy to any government project 
> that the community can contribute to
> - List out the members of the community on the website to ensure the 
> technical strength of the team to support any government activity
> - conduct, regular meeting with gov officials AFTER the community has 
> its objectives and long term goals listed out
>
> *3. Computer Resellers, Retailers, Hardware component vendors.*
> Got to have representatives of major resellers and retailers in the 
> community ( at least b a part of the mailing list )
> Community could supply them with latest distro s.
> Community can work with them on promotion of FOSS
> Spread awareness of the movement and the community through the 
> resellers and retailers
>
> *4. Small And Medium Enterprises, Corporate, Large organizations*
> There are times when they can be lured by the "FREE" factor ( free as 
> in free beer ) -- if so, its easy.
> Else, the community should have a team that study their IT 
> infrastructure and evaluate their IT spend on proprietary OS$ and 
> suggest alternative softwares
> It would be wise to generate a few case studies on companies that are 
> on 100% FOSS. - this can be shared, used as reference, it can even 
> promote the company under study.
> SMEs usually whine about higher cost of maintaining FOSS -- expensive 
> support team, lack of right manpower, lack of applications etc -- 
> there should be clear solutions/answers to this.
> Reduction of COST will be the key here. Statistics, Cases or anything 
> that can prove this should be documented and promoted.
> Identify the perks that comes with switching to FOSS - media attention 
> ( has to be arranged ), the 'good cause', 'feel good' factor, 
> concessions from the government ( there r other FOSS groups already 
> working on this )
> A team can be formed for this project - the team could identify 
> potential business houses that might think of a total switchover. 
> Small cases can be takenup. but it should be documented and publicized
>
> 5. Public relations- media, advertising, promotional activities.
> I believe this has very high importance. The fact that the movement 
> will catch momentum in time is proven. But enabling a better reach at 
> a higher pace should help the cause.
> Once we have the mission in place, the path to it defined, and short 
> term objectives charted out, we can go ahead with a campaign ( a 
> proper marcom activity )
> Active presence in social media, the web, online communities, etc.
> A mascot, a theme, a punch line, t-shirts, promotional goodies, 
> co-branded products from corporates,  all that goes into a proper PR 
> campaign.
> This will help the masses know about the movement and the cause. ( 
> please recall one of the senior members who attended the last meeting 
> talking about the lack of awareness for such a good cause )
> As discussed in the meeting, the 'cool factor' of being a part of the 
> FOSS initiative can be leveraged and it will surely drive the movement.
> Who will fund these ? - once we have the campaign well documented and 
> charted out, we could work out the costs involved. Once we are done 
> with that, we could have FOSS promoters, and large corporates to 
> support the campaign ( co-branded products etc ). This can be thought 
> of and discussed in detail.
> This part of the movement will support all other activities listed as 
> this will drive attention, support and all that can help gain velocity 
> which we need at the moment.
>
> I believe that all these activities will complement one another to 
> achieve the purpose. The ultimate task at hand is quiet large and we 
> need more people from all walks of life to contribute to this 
> movement. Hence, we have to ensure that the movement reaches out to 
> the masses without much delay.
>
> Regards
> Roshin Roy
> roshin at roshin.com <mailto:roshin at roshin.com>
> +91 94474 22222
>
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