CeBIT 2009, the largest global IT trade show opens March 3-8 in Hannover, Germany. For the first time Open Source becomes a central theme. Without these projects free software would be unthinkable, therefore not only will industries take part, but free projects will have the opportunity to share their work with the larger public. Linux Magazine, together with the conference organizer Deutsche Messe AG, is therefore seeking out projects that wish to present their work publicly at CeBIT Open Source.

An international jury will decide by November 30 who will be awarded the free booths. The jury will include international open source experts, among them also the Linux Foundation. The Linux Foundation is the non profit organization behind the Linux operating system and currently employs Linux founder Linus Torvalds. Amanda McPherson, Vice President of marketing and developer programs with the Linux Foundation: "The Linux Foundation is pleased to see such a large and important IT trade show as CeBit focus on open source software. We're pleased to support the conference and expand the use of open source software."

Starting now, every Open Source project can bid for a free booth at the conference. Only noncommercial projects with strong connection to Linux or Open Source will be considered. Interested projects can get further details from the participation requirements. Apply via the web application on the Call for Projects page.

CeBIT Open Source 2009 gives a deadline of October 30, 2008, for projects to submit applications. In addition to their presentations at the Hannover conference, the winning projects will also get the opportunity to present their work to a larger public in the German and international editions of Linux Magazine Online. The jury will include international Open Source experts named by Linux New Media and will decide on the winning entries by November 30. The winners will be announced on Linux Magazine Online.