Time for introspection, says FOSS

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A decade after Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) has made its entry into Indian scenario, it has become the triumphant warrior looking for new enemies. Having grown into a mainstream concept from being a mere outcast, FOSS, however, faces an uncertainty in Kerala now, that comes when initial objectives are achieved and a longterm goal is missing.
As FOSS gears up to celebrate its 10th anniversary, commemorating the 'Freedom First' conference held in 2001 in the state, hardcore free software enthusiasts in state call for some introspection. ''The concept of free software has spread, it has assumed significant place as a technology or as a software but it is doubtful whether the political and social philosophy behind free software which gives thrust to freedom of knowledge and its sharing has been imbibed by the users. It is now time that we define what is the real 'freedom' in the technological and philosophical aspect of it,'' says Arun M, one of the pioneer exponents of FOSS in the country. According to him, the 'mainstreamisation' of FOSS has happened. A study has revealed that 50 per cent of IT companies in the Technopark are significantly using free software, not under any policy or pressure but owing to economical, technological and other reasons.