[ILUG-Cochin.org] Promotion of FREE Software in the State ( Phase 1 : define goals and tasks )

[Roshin Roy]

Hello

I was expected to update the WiKi with the thoughts that we had  
discussed in yesterdays ILUG meet. I hope somebody who has access to  
the WiKi will get it done after we initiate a thread in this mailing- 
list to discuss any major change in the ideas that is listed. I  
thought I will make an outline document on our thoughts to structure  
the "Promotion of FREE Software in the State" initiative. As discussed  
in the meet, it is always good to break the larger project into  
smaller taskes that can be managed independently. To start with, we  
need a vision that will guide our activities. Secondly, we have to  
define our mission for us to be clear with, and for the rest of the  
world to understand. Finally, we have to state our objectives that can  
be further classified to tasks that can me closely monitored and  
evaluated.

I suggest we all spend some time to state the ultimate purpose of this  
activity and then work on defining and documenting a clear action plan  
before we start acting on this. We could consider this as Phase 1 ( :  
to define our goals and Objectives )

Mission : "To promote the use of FREE software in the state by  
spreading awareness that will generate appreciation for FREEDOM"
Objectives of the group that will help progress towards the goal.  
( Note: this is just a few thoughts that need to be discussed,  
revised, and documented before we move to the next step ).

1. Empower the new generation to choose freedom
Programs for Students
for the sake of targeting and designing programs that generate  
interests, we could segment this class into two or three.
Std 1 to Std 7 ( junior ), Educational applications, Kidstuff, Tux,  
Fun tools, Games - an event where a demo of all these can be done
Std 8 to 10 ( High ), Blogging, Office Applications, Extensive use of  
school comps to support non IT education, need more thinking on this
Std 11 to Std 12 (Pre Univ), Help them choose their path. Clear  
awareness about the FOSS movement and FREEDOM
Degree Students can join the movement and contribute to it.
Programs for Teachers
The issues that teachers are facing is already discussed. This has to  
be worked on.
Work with Universities for a change in IT/Comp syllabus
Very large project that needs expert academicians. A team has to be  
formed for this activity and their objectives has to be clearly  
defined before they venture into this activity. The 'community based  
curriculum' initiative can be a part of this activity.

2. Support the government on their path to bring FOSS into the state.
This can be taken up as a separate project. There are other movements  
that work for this cause and it would be a vice thing to be very aware  
and updated on the progress of the government in this area.
- suggest, change, request - policy changes that will promote FOSS
- extend technical support and consultancy to any government project  
that the community can contribute to
- List out the members of the community on the website to ensure the  
technical strength of the team to support any government activity
- conduct, regular meeting with gov officials AFTER the community has  
its objectives and long term goals listed out

3. Computer Resellers, Retailers, Hardware component vendors.
Got to have representatives of major resellers and retailers in the  
community ( at least b a part of the mailing list )
Community could supply them with latest distro s.
Community can work with them on promotion of FOSS
Spread awareness of the movement and the community through the  
resellers and retailers

4. Small And Medium Enterprises, Corporate, Large organizations
There are times when they can be lured by the "FREE" factor ( free as  
in free beer ) -- if so, its easy.
Else, the community should have a team that study their IT  
infrastructure and evaluate their IT spend on proprietary OS$ and  
suggest alternative softwares
It would be wise to generate a few case studies on companies that are  
on 100% FOSS. - this can be shared, used as reference, it can even  
promote the company under study.
SMEs usually whine about higher cost of maintaining FOSS -- expensive  
support team, lack of right manpower, lack of applications etc --  
there should be clear solutions/answers to this.
Reduction of COST will be the key here. Statistics, Cases or anything  
that can prove this should be documented and promoted.
Identify the perks that comes with switching to FOSS - media attention  
( has to be arranged ), the 'good cause', 'feel good' factor,  
concessions from the government ( there r other FOSS groups already  
working on this )
A team can be formed for this project - the team could identify  
potential business houses that might think of a total switchover.  
Small cases can be takenup. but it should be documented and publicized

5. Public relations- media, advertising, promotional activities.
I believe this has very high importance. The fact that the movement  
will catch momentum in time is proven. But enabling a better reach at  
a higher pace should help the cause.
Once we have the mission in place, the path to it defined, and short  
term objectives charted out, we can go ahead with a campaign ( a  
proper marcom activity )
Active presence in social media, the web, online communities, etc.
A mascot, a theme, a punch line, t-shirts, promotional goodies, co- 
branded products from corporates,  all that goes into a proper PR  
campaign.
This will help the masses know about the movement and the cause.  
( please recall one of the senior members who attended the last  
meeting talking about the lack of awareness for such a good cause )
As discussed in the meeting, the 'cool factor' of being a part of the  
FOSS initiative can be leveraged and it will surely drive the movement.
Who will fund these ? - once we have the campaign well documented and  
charted out, we could work out the costs involved. Once we are done  
with that, we could have FOSS promoters, and large corporates to  
support the campaign ( co-branded products etc ). This can be thought  
of and discussed in detail.
This part of the movement will support all other activities listed as  
this will drive attention, support and all that can help gain velocity  
which we need at the moment.

I believe that all these activities will complement one another to  
achieve the purpose. The ultimate task at hand is quiet large and we  
need more people from all walks of life to contribute to this  
movement. Hence, we have to ensure that the movement reaches out to  
the masses without much delay.

Regards
Roshin Roy
roshin at roshin.com
+91 94474 22222











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