It is time for introspection, feels FOSS

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A decade after Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) has made its entry into Indian scenario, it has become the triumphant warrior looking for new enemies. Having grown into a mainstream concept from being a mere outcast, FOSS, however, faces an uncertainty in Kerala now, that comes when initial objectives are achieved and a long-term goal is missing.  As FOSS gears up to celebrate its 10th anniversary, commemorating the `Freedom First’ conference held in 2001 in the state, hardcore free software enthusiasts in state call for some introspection. ‘’The concept of free software has spread, it has assumed significant place as a technology or as a software but it is doubtful whether the political and social philosophy behind free software which gives thrust to freedom of knowledge and its sharing has been imbibed by the users. It is now time that we define what is the real `freedom’ in the technological and philosophical aspect of it,’’ says Arun M, one of the pioneer exponents of FOSS in the country.  According to him, the `mainstream-isation’ of FOSS has happened. A study has revealed that 50 per cent of IT companies in the Technopark are significantly using free software, not under any policy or pressure but owing to economical, technological and other reasons. The scenario is such that a lot of mixing of free software and proprietary software are happening, leading to the development of a situation where the control over them might again be concentrated in a few hands. From computers, technology is migrating to mobile phones or even smaller medium, so the concept of free software needs to be redefined, Arun says.  Free software has been accommodated into the educational and e-governance policies. Through schools and students lots of parents have adopted the concept. The IT@School and Insight projects of the State Government and the International Centre for FOSS (ICFOSS), which aims at promoting research and study in FOSS, have helped it gain a firm footing in the state. Even the political changes in the power corridors did not frighten the free software community, but they are concerned about the future of the community as a movement. ‘‘It is a culture which needs to be imbibed by the users. With its spreading, there is also the threat of its concept being diluted. The word ‘free’ prefixed to the software does not carry the meaning as in free toy or free ice cream. It implies freedom or independence. And that is a way of thought and living. But how many imbibe that spirit is the question we face now,’’ said V Sasikumar, board member of Free Software Foundation of India.  With the State Government kicking off a six-month-long 10th anniversary celebrations of FOSS, it is time for the core community to search for answers. As the first state to pledge its commitment to free software in India, Kerala has already set a model for Asia. In the ‘Free Software Free Society’ conference scheduled to be held here in December, it would provide enough food for thought. And would need to devise new strategies for the future ahead.