Free Open Source Software Africa Convention

However the protagonists have up to now been loathing or unable to get answers to many questions to make firm and informed decisions on implementing FOSS successfully.
Although the importance of FOSS is generally acknowledged, the challenge for most organisations remain in “shifting
FOSS from a compliance issue to being committed to utilising it as a strategic business OR Service delivery driver”.
The FOSS Convention focuses on the state of FOSS in Africa. The Convention highlights recent developments in the field; analyses the successes, failures and stumbling blocks encountered, and also showcase best practice implementation strategies and initiatives from leading African corporations, ways in which FOSS implementation can be recognized, accelerated and promoted as a strategic profit and service delivery tool.

Topics and Discussions:

•Best practice methods on Accelerating and Promoting FOSS
•An in-depth look in to the State of FOSS in Africa - A FOSSFA perspective
•The impact of FOSS from a service delivery perspective
•Critical success factors for selecting and implementing software
•Establish the real cost of implementation
•Learn practical step-by-step system migration process
•How Open Source can contribute to the end of the financial crisis : from basic to explicit FOSS integration in government Entities
•Case-studies and success stories of FOSS implementation
•Network with industry related organisations and peers from around the African continent
•Effective strategies on managing IT projects
•FOSS Business Models-A practical training workshop

Distinguished Speaker panel Includes:

•Paul Scott - African Virtual Open Initiatives and Research (UWC)
•Hennie Bezuidenhout - Meraka Institute (TBC)
•Anthon Keyter - Department of Arts and Culture
•Arno Webb - State Information Technology Agency
•Michael Serero - Presidential National Commission on Information Society and Development (TBC)
•Nhlanhla Mabaso - Wits University (TBC)
•George Nyambuya - ICT@INNOVATION (Free Open Source Software Foundation for Africa)
•Yves Miezan Ezo - CHALA (FRANCE)
•Nthabiseng Mosupye - Department of Public Works (TBC)
•Nnenna Nwakanma - FOSSFA (Ivory Coast)
•Bheki Majahana - Strategic Open Source Solutions
•Seun Adegelu - Net2G (Nigeria)

Sponsorship and Exhibition Opportunities

Open Source has evolved, it is reality that big corporations around the globe has adopted and companies are constantly required to deal with the pressures of implementing the right technology platforms. If your company provides IT services or solutions then here is your opportunity to showcase your products and services.

The FOSS Convention attracts key decision makers and budget holders who have been tasked with implementing and maintaining their IT departments, become a sponsor or exhibitor at the convention and come closer to these key decision makers who can buy your products or services. Promote your brand at the half-day wine and cheese networking and exhibition session.

This event provides you with an excellent exhibition and sponsorship opportunity that fit with your company's specific sales, marketing and branding needs. Take advantage of this great opportunity and contact us on +27 11 888 9810 OR e-mail: .

Date: 19 April 2010 to 21 April 2010
Venue: Sandton Indaba Hotel, Fourways, Johannesburg
Cost: R 5 999 per delegate

More info:

Sandton Indaba

Just north of the fast paced business world of Sandton, lies The Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre nestled beneath the vista of the magnificent Magaliesberg Mountains. It is a compelling blend of business-like convenience and efficiency, along with a relaxed and warm country hospitality atmosphere. Reservations can be made on Tel: +27 (0) 11 840 6600,
Fax: +27 (0) 11 840 6610, Email: indaba@indabahotel.co.za Web: www.indabahotel.co.za