[Linux-aus] The Australian Open Source Industry & Community Report

[Steve Walsh]

As most of you are aware, a census of the Australian Open Source community and industry was conducted late last year by Waugh Partners, and the report has now been published.  The document, available from the below link, is a well laid out, easy to read and follow delivery of the findings, including snapshots of some of our well known community members, such as Andrew Tridgell, Kim Weatherall and Rusty Russel. 

Download the report here:
http://census.waughpartners.com.au/census-report-2008-r1.pdf

Summary Points:

|Introduction|
In our interaction with business, government, education and the Open
Source industry, we have found a sharp disconnect between the
perceptions held by the market, and the reality of Open Source in
Australia.

We knew that our country has produced some of the world’s most
influential Open Source innovators and projects. We knew that clever,
home-grown Open Source companies were succeeding in local and export
markets. 

The Australian Open Source Industry & Community Report delivers those
numbers, to encourage an informed conversation about the potential for
Open Source in Australia. 

|Industry|
Our conservative projection of earnings suggests that the Open Source
industry generates $500 million in revenue each year, with over 50% of
that being directly related to Open Source.

|Community|
The Australian Open Source community is more diverse than the
stereotypical young, single, student programmer.

|Education & Skills|
The most valuable Open Source skills are forged outside the classroom,
in the hands-on lessons of open, collaborative development and
practical, commercial experience. The industry and community are very
much aware of this, but most of our formal educational institutions have
some homework to do.

|Careers & Employment|
Community respondents are mostly full-time employed ICT professionals,
many of whom found Open Source work and skills through their
participation in the community... However, some are not involved in ICT
at all.

|Innovation|
The Australian industry and community constitutes a powerhouse of
innovation and Open Source world leadership.

|The Market|
The Australian market for Open Source is very strong in both the private
and public sectors, and rapidly growing.

|Business Development|
Open Source solutions and innovation provide numerous business
development and export opportunities for Australia and our ICT sector,
but more must be done to harness our existing skills base and potential.

|Opinion|
Industry and community respondents were asked, “What do you feel are the
major impediments facing increased adoption of Open Source in
Australia?” Their answers focused on market knowledge and perception,
leadership of industry and government, and Australia’s relatively slow
adoption of new ICT solutions.


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Steve Walsh
Vice President, Linux Australia
Networks and Technology - Linux.conf.au 2008
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