<html>
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
<style type="text/css" style="display:none;"><!-- P {margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;} --></style>
</head>
<body dir="ltr">
<div id="divtagdefaultwrapper" style="font-size:12pt;color:#000000;font-family:Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;" dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, "EmojiFont", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", NotoColorEmoji, "Segoe UI Symbol", "Android Emoji", EmojiSymbols;">
<p style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0">Hi Jonathan,</p>
<p style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0"><br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0">Thank you for your feedback regarding the application for grant that we submitted to Linux Australia. To provide context, Ronald and myself have embarked on the project which we called
<i>The Wait Advisor</i>. It is a system that collects data on wait times in the trucking industry with a view to expose these delays in the supply chain so things can be improved. Our aim is to reduce or eliminate these delays, because long waits correlate
to driver fatigue. According to a <span>2013 study conducted by Ann Williamson and Rena Friswell at the University of New South Wales published in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention, drivers required to wait in queues experienced fatigue more</span>.
There are around 200,000 truck drivers in Australia, which gives an indication of up to how many people are impacted by the issue. Put them on the road, considering that driver fatigue is a leading cause of vehicular crashes, tells us that this issue needs
to be addressed. If we are able to save the life or limb of at least one, it is something worthwhile to do.</p>
<p style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0"><br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0">As you have described, the system consists of two components: the data collection part (which will require the development of the mobile app) and the data processing part (which will be the handling of data). We have
applied for the grant to cover the development of the data collection part, but the development being considered consists of both components. Initially, we were planning to develop the full system ourselves (both components as open source). There used to be
four of us in the team, but two have since moved on. The situation left us less able, so we looked at outsourcing some of the work. It is a choice then between the data collection component (the mobile apps) or the data processing component (data visualization
and presentation). We have started work on the Android aspect of the mobile app as well as the preliminary work for the data visualization. Considering the complexity involved in the work, we deemed it best to outsource the app development because it would
be less of a risk-- the business logic and implementation required is straightforward. We will then continue with the work already started in the data visualization component. Please note that both components will be open source.</p>
<p style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0"><br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0">So to answer your first question, is it a fair summary to say that the development being considered is focused on the data collection side while the handling of that data and any solution that might come from it is separate,
it depends on what you meant by "being considered"-- The project is a full system, one component will not work without the other. We are building both. To build them, we need funding. We have tried, up until this point, to finance the project out of our own
pockets, but it has put a strain on the family finances. Hence, we looked for funding in the form of a grant. As discussed above, the easiest to outsource was the development of the mobile apps, so we have decided to propose to use whatever assistance we will
get to that piece of work. Aware that most grants would require whatever is given to be matched, our proposal indicated the costs divided between the two apps that need to be developed, the remaining costs to be covered by ourselves.
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0"><br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0">As to your second question, let me first clarify. While it is true that
<font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt">the grant funding as proposed is being directed to app development which will be done off-shore, it does not mean that the immediate beneficiary of the grant funds will be overseas developers. The immediate beneficiary
of the funds will be us, the proponents, because we will then be able to channel our available personal funds to the development of the core system. Paying someone from overseas (or even domestically within Australia) is not a benefit to them, because it would
be fair payment for work or services rendered. The benefit is to us, because then we are able to have the work done and we are able to manage our cash flow better.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><br>
</span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt">How will the awarding of the grant benefit the Open Source community in Australia which Linux Australia represents?</span></font></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><br>
</span></font></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt">By awarding the grant, the open source community in Australia will benefit in at least two several areas:</span></font></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><br>
</span></font></span></font></p>
<font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt">In the technical area,
<font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt">Linux Australia is making it possible not just for open source production-grade app for iOS and Android to be available, but also for a full system of data collection and visualization to be out there in the open
for anyone to use, build on, develop or improve. If there is already such a system or anything similar out in the open source community in Australia or elsewhere, it does not negate the fact that this is one which is poised to be in actual use and is specific
to a particular industry addressing an often overlooked issue. Because there is an existing Linux distro does not mean that the open source community should no longer develop or support other distributions. In a similar vein, because there is already a repository
of open source Android apps, it does not mean that all other Android apps should no longer be accepted or supported by the open source community, unless of course if the app is a replica of what already exists, and this project is definitely not that type.
In addition, the source code availability of an IOS implementation for an Android app is something that is very useful for those who are learning the intricacies of development in both platforms.</span></font></span></font></span></font></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, "EmojiFont", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", NotoColorEmoji, "Segoe UI Symbol", "Android Emoji", EmojiSymbols;">
<font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><br>
</span></font></span></font></span></font></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, "EmojiFont", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", NotoColorEmoji, "Segoe UI Symbol", "Android Emoji", EmojiSymbols;">
<font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt">In the non-technical area of social responsibility, Linux Australia is making it possible for an often glossed upon issue in
the trucking industry to be exposed, looked at, talked about, and hopefully actioned by stakeholders. The loss of life or limb caused by vehicular accident in Australian roads can be prevented in most cases-- data has shown that fatigue is a leading cause
of crashes where heavy vehicles appear to be over-represented. Fatigue is a complex issue, and most current solutions address detection and warning. This project is thinking out of the box and approaches fatigue from a different angle, but which has the potential
to directly, significantly and profoundly impact the lives of 200,000 truck drivers in Australia. Indirectly, it can potentially spell the difference between being able to go home at the end of the day safe or otherwise, for you and me and everyone using Australian
roads. How many projects have Linux Australia funded that has this potential?</span></font></span></font></span></font></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, "EmojiFont", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", NotoColorEmoji, "Segoe UI Symbol", "Android Emoji", EmojiSymbols;">
<font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><br>
</span></font></span></font></span></font></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, "EmojiFont", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", NotoColorEmoji, "Segoe UI Symbol", "Android Emoji", EmojiSymbols;">
<font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt">Finally, if the use of grant money to pay part of the development work overseas is an issue, we hope that the Council will allow
for a revision of the cost items in the proposal because in the end, we are asking for the grant to help us fund a project which actually requires more financial resources.</span></font></span></font></span></font></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, "EmojiFont", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", NotoColorEmoji, "Segoe UI Symbol", "Android Emoji", EmojiSymbols;">
<font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><br>
</span></font></span></font></span></font></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, "EmojiFont", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", NotoColorEmoji, "Segoe UI Symbol", "Android Emoji", EmojiSymbols;">
<font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt">Thank you very much.</span></font></span></font></span></font></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, "EmojiFont", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", NotoColorEmoji, "Segoe UI Symbol", "Android Emoji", EmojiSymbols;">
<font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><br>
</span></font></span></font></span></font></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, "EmojiFont", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", NotoColorEmoji, "Segoe UI Symbol", "Android Emoji", EmojiSymbols;">
<font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt">Sincerely,</span></font></span></font></span></font></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, "EmojiFont", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", NotoColorEmoji, "Segoe UI Symbol", "Android Emoji", EmojiSymbols;">
<font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><br>
</span></font></span></font></span></font></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, "EmojiFont", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", NotoColorEmoji, "Segoe UI Symbol", "Android Emoji", EmojiSymbols;">
<font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt">Manuel Diaz</span></font></span></font></span></font></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, "EmojiFont", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", NotoColorEmoji, "Segoe UI Symbol", "Android Emoji", EmojiSymbols;">
<font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt">Team Lead,
<i>The Wait Advisor</i> Project</span></font></span></font></span></font><br>
<br>
<br>
</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>