CeBIT Open Source 2009 -- Presenting Free Projects
Formerly regarded as technical gimmicks, open source programs have meanwhile become firmly established with companies and public institutions and provide an effective alternative to conventional software products. The trend towards open source systems will be very much in evidence at CeBIT 2009. For this reason, a dedicated area has been created in Hall 6.
The grand opening of the exhibition will take place on March 2, with California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger holding the keynote. The reason for his visit to Germany: California is the first state to be the official partner of CeBIT, the world's largest trade fair for digital business solutions and information and communications technology (ICT).
On March 3, the gates will be opened to the public, and among enterprises and organizations from all over the world there will be free projects showing their work as well. Free software, with Linux being its most prominent example, thrives above all through the work of thousands of dedicated volunteer developers. Many times these projects lack an opportunity to tout their wares in the framework of a trade show.
Following a "Call for Projects" in 2008, an international jury has selected 15 international, non-commercial projects to present their work at the CeBIT Open Source Project Lounge in hall 6. Meet them in Hannover, and here, on Linux Magazine's website.