Free Libre & Open Source Software

What is Free Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS)?

Free Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) refers to software distributed with the condition that the technical specifications (source code) are published and that unlimited copies of the software itself are available. "Proprietary software" is software that is distributed under commercial license agreements, usually for a fee. FLOSS is often, but not always developed in a collaborative community environment, where software developers work together, while a single company controls proprietary software.

FLOSS is used for all types of functions everything from basic server functions, like sending mail, delivering Web content, etc. to desktop software such as word processors, spreadsheets, Web browser, etc. In addition, there are many free and open source software products that are used to keep and analyze data (database management systems, data analysis tools); applications that perform mapping video and audio editing and animation, cryptography; and other kinds of utility tools, used both on servers and on desktops. More non-government organizations are beginning to build or use open source tools for tasks like web content management and client management.

The open source model is proving to be a revolutionary development because it makes it easier for software designers to build on the work of others. As a result, the quality of open source software has steadily improved so that in many cases free and open source software products rival or exceed the performance of their proprietary or commercial counterparts. Although the true cost of software is more than its initial purchase price, the facts that FLOSS is freely available and freely upgradeable have led to its recent popularity.

The fact that a software program is open source makes a huge difference because it enables hundreds of technical people, many working as volunteers with no commercial incentive, to collaborate on continual improvements to the software. In addition, unlike many proprietary products, FLOSS is developed with open standards, making it much easier to use with other pieces of software and thus increasing interoperability. Finally, FLOSS and open standards prevent lock-in to a particular vendor, a common problem that forces organizations to continue using the same, sometimes ineffective, product because data migration would be too expensive or even impossible if the data is in a proprietary format.

Why adopt FLOSS in a non-profit organization and schools?

There are a myriad of both pragmatic and value-based reasons for non-profits and schools to consider free and open source software (FLOSS) solutions for their business and mission-critical operations:

• FLOSS can be more secure and stable
• FLOSS has no license fees, so it can be more cost effective over the lifetime of use of the software
• FLOSS can be used on older computers
• FLOSS can be customized and localized (i.e. made to work in different languages easily)
• Other software can be easier to use with open source software
• You can get lots of technical support for many FLOSS projects
• Users are less likely to be dependent on a single software vendor
• Non-profit organizations and schools can actively participate in the development of software that is mission critical for them or specific segments of the non-government sector
• Similar to the values that non-governments hold, FLOSS embodies fundamental civic, cultural and democratic values

Language/Localization As mentioned above, OSS has a number of superiorities, including localization possibilities. While some non-profits in Baku experience less troubles with languages and can use English or Russian software builds, most of non-profits workers in regions would prefer using native language in computers as well. The same statement is applicable to school students, having a localized version of software would solve the language barrier problem.

Localization projects

• OpenOffice.org suite in Azerbaijani
• Mozilla Firefox (active)
• Mozilla Thunderbird (planned)