Open Communities at the Open Source Summit

  • 01/31/05
Open Communities at the Open Source Summit

open sharing

Leaders in the open source movement in higher education addressed its academic and strategic potential in Scottsdale in December at the first annual Open Source Summit, hosted by the rsmart group (www.rsmart.com). “This is a time for change,” said rsmart founder John Robinson. “It makes sense that after 35 years in this proprietary software business, it’s time for an alternative.”

the power of community

In a strategic track session, panelist Lois Brooks, director of Academic Computing at Stanford University (CA), explored the value of community innovation and collaboration in open source development.

students as customers?

Panelist Bill Flynn, managing director of the National Council for Continuing Education & Training (NCCET; www.nccet.org) talked about accountability and the role of open source software in meeting changing demands.

Oracle OpenWorld: Changing Business

higher ed, highest representation

Amid more than 20,000 attendees at the annual Oracle (www.oracle.com) conference in San Francisco in December, higher ed participants in the Education & Research track were clearly out in full force. Attendees learned about a myriad of education products at a separate kiosk area set up near the track sessions.

an opportunity for best practices

“With the decision to configure the software but not to customize it,” said panelist Rich Pickett, “colleges and universities have an opportunity to change their business processes, and adhere to best practices.” The University of San Diego (CA) director of Administrative Information Services cited self-service (giving end users control, and CRM) and increasing the speed and frequency of communications with prospective students, as two of the greatest benefits of his institution’s large-scale, enterprise implementations.

busy exhibits

From in-depth discussions with Oracle execs, reps, and many other vendors, to a casual encounter with Xiotech’s (www.xiotech.com) roving robot, attendees explored a variety of solutions in a packed exhibit hall in the Moscone Center. Oracle’s “DEMOgrounds” alone offered more than 70 stations in seven product areas, along with a Theater and Guru Lounge. Solutions abounded.

Featured

  • glowing blue nodes connected by thin lines in an abstract network on a dark gray to black gradient background

    Report: Generative AI Taking Over SD-WAN Management

    In a few years, nearly three quarters of network operators will use generative AI for SD-WAN management, according to a new report from research firm Gartner.

  • abstract pattern with interconnected blue nodes and lines forming neural network shapes, overlaid with semi-transparent bars and circular data points

    Data, AI Lead Educause Top 10 List for 2025

    Educause recently released its annual Top 10 list of the most important technology issues facing colleges and universities in the coming year, with a familiar trio leading the bunch: data, analytics, and AI. But the report presents these critical technologies through a new lens: restoring trust in higher education.

  • abstract image representing AI tools for reading and writing

    McGraw Hill Introduces 2 Gen AI Learning Tools

    Global education company McGraw Hill has added two new generative AI tools to help personalize learning experiences for both K–12 and higher ed students, according to a news release.

  • abstract image of fragmented, floating geometric shapes with holographic lock icons and encrypted code, set against a dark, glitchy background with intersecting circuits and swirling light trails

    Education Sector a Top Target for Mobile Malware Attacks

    Mobile and IoT/OT cyber threats continue to grow in number and complexity, becoming more targeted and sophisticated, according to a new report from Zscaler.