TAOSE: An Introduction

TAOSE Open Source Initiative is an effort of the Center for Information Technology and Security (the Center), The Open Source Technology Alliance (TOSTA), and several open source industry partners.

Viable Solution, Ready for Prime Time

This collaborative group seeks to raise awareness of open source technology as a viable solution in the enterprise.

Offering a Variety of Activities

The TAOSE Open Source Initiative currently includes the following offerings and activities:

• TAOSE Forum Series
• TAOSE 2007 Conference
• TAOSE Board of Activists - a team of business, government and academic leaders aligning to drive open source adoption.
• TAOSE Academic User Special Interest Group

What Is Trusted Adoption

TAOSE stands for "Trusted Adoption of Open Source in the Enterprise."

Trusted: Built through government, academic and professional business interests, TAOSE offers a holistic and objective perspective on open source software and systems. From openly addressing and debating open source benefits and issues; to reviewing real-world case studies; to providing resources for information, products and services; TAOSE provides an unbiased, reality-based viewpoint.

Adoption: Open source has evolved and matured to a point where it meets (and sometimes exceeds) enterprise needs, integrating with proprietary software and fulfilling quality, performance and security requirements. Many organizations have established clear strategies to harness the benefits of open source. Some organizations aren't fully aware of the extent to which they are already using open source. TAOSE seeks to help enterprises through all stages of open source adoption - from initial investigation and business case formulation to implementation resources that make open source a reality.

Of Open Source: Open source software has evolved well beyond the days of solo-developer "freeware" or "shareware" into robust, commercially viable,  enterprise-quality applications that compete with and integrate with proprietary software, offering potential benefits in cost, flexibility, security, quality and performance. Recognizing that open source needs to work in a blended environment with proprietary software and systems, TAOSE helps address implementation of open source is a complementary component for enterprise models. A diverse global community is continuously creating and enhancing open source offerings - spanning software, hardware and services; TAOSE creates a centrally-organized structure for understanding and tapping these rich, yet dispersed, resources.

In the Enterprise: Open source offers benefits for organizations in all sectors and size categories, including large and small commercial businesses, as well as governments and educational institutions. TOASE is a resource for all stakeholders in the open source value chain - from software developers and marketers (open and proprietary), to consultants (business, IT, legal, security), to resellers and integrators, to enterprise management and end-users.