The International Open Source Network has as its slogan "software freedom for all". It is a Centre of Excellence for free software

Free software

Free software, software libre or libre software is software that can be used, studied, and modified without restriction, and which can be copied and redistributed in modified or unmodified form either without restriction, or with restrictions that only ensure that further recipients can also do...

 (also known as

Alternative terms for free software

Alternative terms for free software have been a controversial issue among free software users from the late 1990s onwards. Coined in 1983 by Richard Stallman, "free software" is used to describe software which can be used, modified, and redistributed with little or no restriction...

 FLOSS

Floss

Floss may refer to:* Dental floss, used to clean teeth* Embroidery thread, machine or hand-spun yarn for embroidery* Fairy floss or candyfloss, alternative names for cotton candy* Rousong, i.e. meat floss-Computing:...

, FOSS, or open-source software

Open-source software

Open-source software is computer software that is available in source code form: the source code and certain other rights normally reserved for copyright holders are provided under a software license that permits users to study, change, improve and at times also to distribute the software.Open...

) in the Asia-Pacific region.

IOSN says it "shapes its activities around FOSS technologies and applications. It is "tasked specifically to facilitate and network FOSS advocates and human resources in the region."

FLOSS's perceived potential

IOSN's website says: "FOSS presents itself as an access solution for developing countries. It represents an opportunity for these countries to adopt affordable software and solutions towards briding the Digital Divide. Only the use of FOSS permits sustainable development of software; it is technology that is free to learn about, maintain, adapt and reapply".

It explains its emphasis on Free and Open Source Software for the following reasons:

• Universal access to software without restrictions.
• Less dependence on imported technology.
• Freedom to share and collaborate in development efforts.
• Freedom to customize software to local languages and cultures.
• Development of local software capacity.
• Open standards and vendor independence.

Beginning 2008, IOSN is now managed from three centres of excellence: University of the Philippines Diliman (ASEAN+3), CDAC in Chennai, India (South Asia), and a consortium composed of members from the academe and government in the Pacific Island Countries (PIC).

IOSN objectives

IOSN's objectives include:

• Serve as a clearing house for information on FOSS in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Strengthen current FOSS capacities.
• Assist with the development of needed toolkits and resource materials, including localisation efforts.
• Assist in the coordination of FOSS programmes and initiatives through information sharing and networking in the Asia-Pacific region.

Affiliations and sponsorships

IOSN is an initiative of the UNDP Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme and is supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

External links

• IOSN's official site
• Bangladesh Open Source Network's (BdOSN) official site
• Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme of the UNDP
  United Nations Development Programme
  The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations' global development network. It advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP operates in 177 countries, working with nations on their own solutions to...