FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Seneca College hosts 6th annual Free Software and Open Source Symposium
Toronto, October 9, 2007 — Seneca’s Free Software and Open Source Symposium (FSOSS) is an internationally recognized, two-day event that brings together educators, developers, students and others from across North America to discuss the latest developments in free software and open source issues, learn new technologies and promote the use of free and open source software.
Open Source is a philosophy and practice that is changing the way software is developed. By encouraging collaboration, often between parties from around the world, Open Source developers are creating free software that can be continuously updated and shared. For many developers, Open Source represents a revolution. About 300 attendees are expected to take part in 6th annual FSOSS taking place at Seneca@York (70 The Pond Road) on Oct 25th and 26th.
This year’s FSOSS keynote speaker is Bob Young, co-founder of Red Hat, the long-time leading distributor of the Linux operating system, and founder and CEO of Lulu.com.
Among the speakers are guests from Athabasca University, Creative Commons Canada, Environment Canada, Facebook, IBM, Microsoft, Mozilla, Nokia, Open Office, Penn State University, SAP Labs, Shuttleworth Foundation, Seneca College, Software Freedom Law Centre, Sourceforge, Transylvania University, University of Toronto, York University and more.
“Seneca’s Symposium is a fantastic event for people who want to get connected with open source development in all its many forms,” said Mike Shaver, Chief Evangelist at the Mozilla Corporation. “We’re excited to meet up with other passionate developers, advocates and users of all kinds.”
Presentations include technical, legal, social and business topics. There will also be two-hour, hands-on workshops offered. Speakers, schedule, registration details and video from last year’s event are available at http://fsoss.senecac.on.ca
“Open Source is about more than just software; it’s about community and collaboration,” noted David Humphrey, symposium organizer. “This year’s event reflects the expansion of these concepts into business, culture, government, media, and beyond.”
In the last few years, Open Source has become an integral part of the training offered at Seneca’s School of Computer Studies. New courses and partnerships with Open Source companies like Mozilla have exposed Seneca students to the many growing careers in this field. Since the first FSOSS in 2001, Seneca has become a recognized leader in exposing students to open source software (such as Linux and the Mozilla Firefox browser) and teaching the tools and techniques to enable students to get involved in the development of large open source software development projects.
More students choose Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology than any other college in Canada. With eight campuses across the GTA, Seneca provides internationally and nationally recognized career education and training key to graduate success in the global economy. Every Seneca diploma, certificate and applied degree program is developed to a high academic standard, in consultation with industry, integrated with information technology, combined with technical and transferable skills, and reinforced by opportunities for ongoing education and re-training. www.senecac.on.ca
For more information:
Seneca College
Media Relations
416-491-5050, ext. 7017