Waugh Partners

Waugh Partners is launching the first national research project to study companies and contributors involved in the Australian Open Source industry and community.

With growing demand for Open Source skills and technology, it's the perfect time to launch a major research effort to understand the strength of Open Source in Australia, the economic potential for the broader Australian ICT industry, our skills capacity, and the symbiotic relationship between the Open Source industry and community around it.

Supporters

Waugh Partners is embarking on this project with the support of our principal research partner NICTA, sponsors IBM and Fujitsu, and endorsement from community and industry organisations Linux Australia and Open Source Industry Australia.

Industry Census

The industry Census aims to document the size, capability, skills, perspectives, market and growth of companies delivering services and solutions around Open Source technologies. We aim to align business and government perception of the Australian Open Source industry with reality, by providing hard numbers from a reputable study. Participating companies will receive a printed copy of the final report and the option to be included in a national searchable Open Source business directory.

Community Census

The community Census aims to document the dynamics, demographics, skills, perspectives, education and global participation of Australian FLOSS (Free, Libre and Open Source Software) contributors — at home or abroad. We hope to help government, business and educational institutions understand and value the Australian FLOSS community. Participants will have a chance to win one of five GP2X Open Source gaming units. Winners will be announced in January, during Jeff and Pia's presentation at linux.conf.au 2008 in Melbourne.

"Meet the Open Source Industry" Roadshow

Waugh Partners will host “Meet the Open Source Industry” breakfasts around Australia from September 25th to October 11th 2007. If you're curious about Open Source in business or government, or want to find out more about the Census, don't miss the roadshow when it comes to your city — check out the Roadshow dates and locations and we'll see you there! Please RSVP as space is limited.

Census Report

We'd like the Census report to be as useful to the industry and community as possible, so it will be available as a freely downloadable PDF, launched in Sydney during April. Waugh Partners will be working closely with NICTA to ensure the research is of the highest possible standard.