Projects on the Move
Projects on the Move
RapidSMS offers a flexible framework for developing SMS-based applications, and PhoneGap streamlines the art of cross-platform app development.
When you think of UNICEF, you probably don’t think about innovation, which is actually one of the organization’s core values [1]. UNICEF has helped develop everything from birthing kits to solar-powered cold storage units. In fact, in 2009, UNICEF was awarded the Gov 2.0 Summit Award [2] for RapidSMS, a free, open source framework for developing SMS-based applications [3].
RapidSMS isn’t something you download and start using. Instead, RapidSMS is a Django and Python-based framework that can be customized for diverse data collection,
workflow, and group coordination functionality. The software is designed to work on any phone that can send and receive text messages and is intended to be customized for governments and humanitarian organizations working in geographically remote areas with limited infrastructure, such as roads and electricity. In October 2008, RapidSMS played an integral role in UNICEF’s efforts to distribute high-protein food (Plumpy’nut) to 1,800 food centers in drought-crippled Ethiopia [4]. Before using RapidSMS, aid monitors collected data, such as the amount of food received and distributed, but there could be several weeks of delay between when the data was collected and analyzed and any follow-up actions, such as sending additional supplies. RapidSMS helped eliminate the delay, which is no small task when you are dealing with 193,130 cartons of Plumpy'nut from 1,852 distribution centers.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
News
-
Apple M1 Hardware Support to be Merged into Linux Kernel 5.13
Linux users will be able to install their favorite distribution on Apple’s M1-based hardware.
-
KDE Launches the Qt 5 Patch Collection
To support and maintain a stable Qt 5 for KDE Gears and Frameworks, KDE will maintain a patch collection.
-
Linux Creator Warns Next Kernel Could be Delayed
Linus Torvalds has issued concern about the size of kernel 5.12 and possible delays for its release.
-
System76 Updates its Pangolin Laptop
System76 has released a much-anticipated AMD version of their most popular laptop, the Pangolin.
-
New Debian-Based Distribution Arrives on the Market
TelOS is a new Debian-based Linux distribution with a customized, touch-screen-ready KDE Plasma 5 desktop.
-
System76 Releases New Thelio Desktop
One of the most ardent supporters of open source hardware has released a new desktop machine for home or office.
-
Mageia 8 Now Available with Linux 5.10 LTS
The latest release of Mageia includes improved graphics support for both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs.
-
GNOME 40 Beta has been Released
Anyone looking to test the beta for the upcoming GNOME 40 release can now do so.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 4.2 has Arrived
The latest stable version of OpenMandriva has been released and offers the newest KDE desktop and ARM support.
-
Thunderbird 78 Ported to Ubuntu 20.04
The Ubuntu developers have made the decision to port the latest release of Thunderbird to the LTS version of the platform.