Open Source Software Conference FOSSCon 2010 Takes Place June 19

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FOSScon will host an open software event at RIT on June 19th

Open-source technologies have grown beyond the Linux operating system, and collaboration tools have made their way beyond the data center. Information technology professionals can learn more about the maturing field of open-source and collaborative technologies at the Free and Open Source Software Conference, FOSScon 2010. The all-day event takes place 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. June 19 at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Opening the program is Scott Rigby, founding co-director of the interdisciplinary art and cultural organization basekamp. In his keynote address, “Plausible Promises,” Rigby will discuss the keys to successful project management and the incorporation of diverse development ideas. His presentation takes place at 9:30 a.m. in the Golisano College auditorium.

The cost for the full-day workshops and panel discussions is $30. Those registering by May 19 can receive the early bird rate of $25.

“We are thrilled to be hosting FOSSCon,” says Stephen Jacobs, director of RIT’s Lab for Technological Literacy and the FOSS@RIT Initiative. “The event is really the capstone of a great first year for FOSS@RIT, which saw the organization bring Richard Stallman, Walter Bender and the Professor’s Free and Open Source Software Experience, to campus. It’s an incredible opportunity for the university to reach local and regional FOSS developers and to bring organizations to campus to engage with faculty, staff and students.”

FOSSCon is open to information technology professionals in the community as well as faculty, staff and students from area colleges. The event is also a networking opportunity as attendees will be able to meet members of FOSS@RIT, in addition to members of the Linux User Groups of Rochester, Philadelphia and Long Island, Jacobs says.

The conference will feature three technology tracks about free and open-source software in education, business and for personal use. Featured topics and presenters include:

• Free and Open in Education; More than just Software - Charles Profitt


• Making the Most of Communities - Bryan Ostergaard


• OpenStreetMap - Richard Weait


• Linux in Business - Karlie Robinson


• Resume Building Workshop hosted by RIT’s Office of Co-Op and Placement

“When we were first looking at developing FOSSCon, we looked at a number of possible sites in the Northeast. The strong free and open-source software communities in western New York, in general, and Rochester, specifically, really put the city on the short list as a location,” says conference director, Jonathan Simpson. “RIT’s fantastic facilities and willingness to work with us as a partner in bringing the conference here really closed the deal.”