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

free software Free software or libre software is computer software distributed under terms that allow users to run the software for any purpose as well as to study, change, and distribute it and any adapted versions. Free software is a matter of liberty, no ...

(

also known as A pseudonym (; ) or alias () is a fictitious name that a person or group assumes for a particular purpose, which differs from their original or true name ( orthonym). This also differs from a new name that entirely or legally replaces an individu ...

FLOSS Free and open-source software (FOSS) is a term used to refer to groups of software consisting of both free software and open-source software where anyone is freely licensed to use, copy, study, and change the software in any way, and the source ...

, FOSS, or

open-source software Open-source software (OSS) is computer software that is released under a license in which the copyright holder grants users the rights to use, study, change, and distribute the software and its source code to anyone and for any purpose. Op ...

) 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 bridging the

digital divide The digital divide is the unequal access to digital technology, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and the internet. The digital divide creates a division and inequality around access to information and resources. In the Information Age in ...

. 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 centers of excellence: University of the Philippines Manila (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 Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme was an initiative of UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and "aims to promote the development and application of information and communication technologies (or, ICTs) for sustainable human dev ...

and is supported by the

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) The International Development Research Centre (IDRC; french: Centre de recherches pour le développement international, ''CRDI'') is a Canadian federal Crown corporation. As part of Canada’s foreign affairs and development efforts, IDRC champ ...

External links

{{Portal, Free and open-source software
IOSN's official siteBangladesh Open Source Network's (BdOSN) official siteAsia-Pacific Development Information Programme
of the

UNDP The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)french: Programme des Nations unies pour le développement, PNUD is a United Nations agency tasked with helping countries eliminate poverty and achieve sustainable economic growth and human dev ...

Free and open-source software organizations Information and communication technologies for development Information technology organizations