1 Project Hosting: The OpenFoundry web portal is a development platform that enables open source software developers and enthusiasts to discuss, modify and manage their projects. Various tools, such as Request Tracker, Kwiki, Sympa, CSV, and Subversion, are provided to make managing projects easier. Users can also download projects and give the developers feedback via the OpenFoundry platform.
2 Information Collection: OpenFoundry collects useful information on open source software development and references it for users. The information includes intellectual property licensing laws, teaching materials and research reports.
3 Social Networking:OpenFoundry is home to various experts in the open source software field. The website provides information about the latest projects launched by industrial and academic centers in Taiwan. It also allows members of the open source community to share research information and their software development experience. In addition, developers can use the platform to contact companies that need open source software experts.
OpenFoundry provides other key services to help users with the development of open source software. The services include compiling and maintaining a resource catalog, publishing a bi-weekly newsletter, hosting various Open Source workshops, visiting universities and schools to promote open source software, and providing users with legal and licensing advice.
1 Resource Catalog: The OpenFoundry resource catalog lists professional resources and applications related to the development of open source software. The information is divided into the following categories: enterprise computing, embedded systems, general applications, information security tools, and legal and licensing requirements.
2 OSSF Newsletters: To keep users up to date with open source software developments, OpenFoundry publishes a bi-weekly newsletter in both plain text and html. Topics covered in the newsletter include domestic and overseas open source software development, updates on industrial trends in open source software, legal and licensing issues, and activities of the open source community in Taiwan.
3 Open Source Workshops: OpenFoundry cooperates with companies and community groups to arrange several Open Source Software seminars every year. All activities are posted on the OpenFoundry website. Users can visit the website or subscribe to our newsletter to obtain the latest information.
4 Promoting Open Source Software in Universities and Schools: To educate students about developments in open source software, members of OSSF visit colleges and schools to give lectures and speeches. After each lecture, handouts are distributed, documents are published on the Internet, and video clips are made available for free download from our website.
5 Legal and Licensing Consultations: OSSF’s legal department provides free advice on software license research, case tracking, business licensing, and government policies. We also try to help users resolve disputes. All legal and licensing information can be found in the “Law and Policy” section of the OpenFoundry website. The OpenFoundry newsletter also publishes regular updates.