NOSI, the Nonprofit Open Source Initiative

[Ed Dodds <dodds@e-dodds.com>]

Please excuse this post's off topicness, but I thought this 
initiative would be of interest to your various firms.

- Ed Dodds

NOSI, the Nonprofit Open Source Initiative, announces the
release of its new guide "Choosing and Using Open Source
Software: A Primer for Nonprofits."  It is available for
download at http://www.nosi.net

Supported with a grant from the IBM International
Foundation, the Primer describes open source software and
its use in nonprofit organizations. Written in an
accessible, non-technical language, the Primer is aimed at
nonprofit managers and technology assistance providers who
want to know more about open source software and how to
deploy it effectively.  

Choosing and Using Open Source Software includes:

* case-studies of nonprofits of various sizes that are
using open source software;

* a process for evaluating whether or not open source
is right for an organization;

* an overview of specific open source applications and
steps to begin using them in an organization; 

* an overview of how to find support for open source
software.

Here is what people are saying about the NOSI Primer: 

"NOSI has developed a terrific resource that can help
nonprofits everywhere understand the significance of the
transition from proprietary software to open source."

<Mitch Kapor, President of the Open Source Applications
Foundation>

 "A marvelous resource - a must read for anyone even
thinking about open source software.  It's clear; it's
concise; and it's filled with just the facts you need.
Business has already jumped on the open source bandwagon.
It's high-time nonprofits seriously considered the
alternatives.  Not too 'geeky' a read either.  Get it. Read
it."  

<Gavin Clabaugh, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation>

"Choosing and Using Open Source Software: A Primer for
Nonprofits" is released under the Creative Commons license
which allows it to be freely copied.  It is available for
download at http://www.nosi.net
.  "Get it.  Read it."

If you have any questions or comments, please be in touch.

Best Regards,

Katrin

-------------------
Katrin Verclas

steering@nosi.net
Direct: 413-256-1845
Mobile: 413-530-3857

www.nosi.net

--------------------
          Ed Dodds
      dodds@e-dodds.com
  <e-dodds.communications/>
 Technology Public Relations
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