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Shoosmiths opens debate on Open Source Software

29 September 2008

National law firm Shoosmiths has brought together some of the world’s leading IT figures to discuss the impact of Open Source Software (OSS).

The Firefox Internet browser, Linux and OpenOffice.org are all examples of OSS which, unlike traditional proprietary software that you buy from a vendor, is generally available to download from the Internet without the cost of a licence.

The conference, held in London, was organised and chaired by Shoosmiths’ Alex Newson, an IT solicitor in its Nottingham commercial technology unit.

Speakers included Mark Lange, senior policy counsel at Microsoft Europe, the Middle East and Africa Law and Corporate Affairs who flew in from Paris for the occasion; Gerry Gavigan, chairman of the Open Source Consortium; and intellectual property and IT barrister, David Harris.

Newson said: “This conference was the ideal opportunity to share the knowledge we have with other experts in the field, and to take an in-depth look at the advantages of OSS from several different perspectives.  The result really was fascinating.

“Despite its humble beginnings, OSS has grown to be of worldwide importance.  IT giants including Microsoft, Oracle, HP and IBM are all committed to developing, supporting and promoting OSS and have invested significant resources to enable this to happen.

“Last year, the European Commission anticipated that OSS related services could reach a 32% share of all IT services by 2010.  The research firm Gartner, projects that by 2012, 90% of the world’s companies will be using OSS.  This is certainly the hot topic in IT at the moment and for some time to come.”

For further information please contact:
Name: Sophie Llewhelin
Phone: 08700 864127
Email: sophie.llewhelin@shoosmiths.co.uk

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