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+44 (0)1895 256 484

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Call Us:
+44 (0)1895 256 484

Mail Us:
Info@unicom.co.uk

Software

Identifying & Mitigating the Risks of Using Open Source

Background

There are increasing pressures to use open source software in businesses. Cost is an important factor in favour of the use of open source. Further, the availability of open source software is growing exponentially. Already there are well over half a million separate open source software projects worldwide, although only a fraction of those are active. Should a business readily adopt the use of open source software? Many businesses will turn to their lawyers to look for legal advice on this subject. The presenter Dai Davis is a lawyer, however he is also a technology expert with degrees in Computer Science and Physics. He is a well known speaker on legal and technology subjects, and will discuss the issues arising and provide guidance for directors and managers considering the use of open source code in their business.

What exactly is Open Source? What are the cultural drivers behind the development of Open Source. How does “copyleft” differ from “copyright”? What are the business risks associated with using Open Source software? How can those risks be identified, minimised and avoided?

 
There are some 2,000 “standard” licences that fall into the “Open Source” category. How can you deal with such a variety? Which ones are those commonly used by software developers? Should you consider starting an Open Source project yourself? Why do software developers become involved in Open Source software and how do they earn a living by doing so?
 
This workshop guides you through these issues and shows you how to identify and mitigate the risks of adopting Open Source solutions and how to institute correct governance.
 
“The final part of the day will be devoted to planning the development of an Open Source policy document for your own company. This will be based on avoiding the risks identified during the course of the day.”
 

Workshop Registration Fee

Super Early Bird before 25 October: £125+VAT

Early Bird before 15 November: £195+VAT

Full price after 15November: £225+VAT

 

Who Should Attend

 
  • CTOs
  • CIOs
  • Project Managers
  • Dev Engineers
  • In-house lawyers
  • Senior Web Developers
  • Systems Administrators
  • Heads of Marketing
  • Heads of IS & IT ICT & IT
  • Directors
  • Solicitors


Topics covered

  • A brief overview of the law of copyright.
  • The applicability of copyright to computer software.
  • Open Source copyright licensing fundamentals.
  • What are the distinguishing features of Open Source Software?
  • What are the distinguishing features of Open Source software licences?
  • An overview of the common licence forms: GPL and Creative Commons.
  • Enforceability of Open Source software licences (including US case of Jacobson v Katzer and the Welte series of cases).
  • How and when is Open Source Software used in businesses?
  • Myths and realities of Open Source software in businesses.
  • Other examples of Open Source collaborations.