Open Source: Case Studies
In this section you will find links to Case Studies for Using Open Source Software.
Ghanaian Stakeholders meet to discuss open source software - 2003 Sep 18
Stakeholders in the development sector in Ghana meeting to discuss Open Source Software alternative to ICT development in Ghana, have said if open source software is to be promoted in Ghana then the basics must be right- the proper training of software programmers to meet the challenges of working in the open source environment.
Case Studies Database
Case studies of schools that have used open source in their classrooms.
Source: richtech.ca [1416]
http://richtech.ca/cgi-bin/seul/case/caseview0.pl
Perspectives from the African Free and Open Source Software Movement
African software developers face many obstacles as they struggle to grow professionally in their chosen field. But these "coders", as a group, form a community marked less by their frustration and isolation than by their perseverance and resolve. Bridges.org, in cooperation with Tactical Technologies, has written an article airing the views shared by the workshop participants and looking at ways in which the field of software development could grow in Africa. The article is based on interviews and contains quotes from many of the delegates.
Source: Bridge.org [1351]
straight_from_the_source_may04.pdf
Free and Open Source Software In Africa
2003 Round Table on Developing Countries Access to Scientific Knowledge, The Abdus Salam ICTP, Trieste, Italy
Paper presented by Gideon Hayford Chonia [1271]
Free_and_Open_Source_Software_In_Africa.pdf
open source software options in developing countries, and donor interventions
This report reviews open source software (OSS) options in developing countries, and recommends specific donor interventions. It suggests that by carefully exploiting OSS, it is possible for a developing country to establish a global position in the IT driven knowledge economies of the future. In addition to the direct benefit OSS can provide to developing countries, a significant potential for global IT industry leadership exists for developed countries as well by exploiting strategic partnerships between developed and developing countries in OSS efforts.
Source: Sanjiva Weerawarana; Jivaka Weeratunge / Swedish International Development Authority (Sida) , 2003 [1265]
opensource.pdf
Open Source in South African Schools: Two Case Studies
This paper looks at the use of open source solutions in two government schools in South Africa to demonstrate that it is possible for schools to utilise almost any existing computer to provide effective network solutions. [1011]
Open_Source_in_South_African_Schools.pdf
Alternative Routes in the Digital World
The purpose of this article is to elaborate on the role of Open Source Software can play and plays in the African context. Since there is little tradition in computing, OSS can find a good breeding ground in Africa. [1010]
Alternative_Routes_in_the_Digital_World.pdf
The state of free and Open Source Software in Africa
In the face of rapidly changing technological advancement, and the exorbitant cost of proprietary hardware and software solutions, which discriminate against Africa in attempting to participate in (Information and Communications Technologies) ICTs for development, the need for open source solutions has emerged. There is a global trend toward open source solutions, which have become viable, cost effective and sustainable options for Africa’s participation in ICTs for development. [1009]
fossfa.pdf
Open source in Africa: towards informed decision-making
This Brief summarises research carried out in Tanzania, Uganda and Burkina Faso and other countries, asking where, how, and why open source software is being used in Africa. Researcher Martin Bruggink highlights the opportunities as well as the risks facing IT managers in African institutions who are thinking of making the switch to open source. [897]
Open_source_in_Africa.pdf
Comparison Study of Open Source and Proprietary Software in an African Context
This study aims to fully examine the ground level realities and implications of the choice between open source and proprietary software in an African context, in order to inform decision-making and optimise community access to ICT. [720]
http://www.bridges.org/software_comparison/about.html
Why Open Source Software / Free Software (OSS/FS)?
David Wheeler's article compares commonly-used Open Source software with commonly-used proprietary software, looking at research on market share, reliability, performance data, scaleability, security and cost. This article is particularly useful if you need a detailed comparison [719]
http://www.dwheeler.com/oss_fs_why.html
Open Source Software: Case studies examining its use
Case studies of open source implementation in situations as diverse as the US postal service and rural India. Key research findings of the study are that Cost is a significant factor driving adoption, Control and flexibility are considered benefits as well, Implementation of open solutions is evolutionary, not revolutionary. [718]
Opensourcesoftware.pdf