QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES, September 17, 2007. Q-Linux Labs, the country’s pioneer and most respected name in Linux and Open Source, successfully sponsored the Software Freedom Day 2007 Celebration as one of the sponsors recently held at the ASTI Building in UP Diliman Campus last September 15, 2007.

More than a hundred participants, most of whom were local Free and Open Source Software Groups and advocates, converged at the venue to join this year’s worldwide celebration of Software Freedom Day. The event’s theme was: “Know a world where software sharing is a freedom”. Presenters from different organizations gave talks on the hottest topics about Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).

Our very own, Mr. Ramon Aguilar, Q-Linux Senior Consultant, Product Specialist, and Red Hat Certified Technician gave a talk entitled: “Migrating to Free and Open Source Software from Proprietary Applications.”

"Open source software is a viable alternative to proprietary operating systems and applications. There is high quality free software available to run your computer for office and home use. There are even well polished games for the gaming enthusiast,” said Mr. Rick Bahague of the Computer Professionals' Union (CPU), one of the main organizers spearheading the Philippine celebration of Software Freedom Day 2007.

Also at the event was Rep. Teddy Casino, of the Bayan Muna partylist, who presented updates on the status of Free and Open Source Software Act of 2007 in the Philippine Congress (otherwise known as House Bill 1716)—which is trying to mandate the use of FOSS in government. Special guest, Charge d' affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Mr. Manuel Perez Iturbe was there as well to give valuable insights on his country’s experience when they approved a similar policy decision in their country.

"The government will continue to be dependent to proprietary and foreign software technologies unless it actively supports FOSS initiatives and give preference to the use of FOSS in institutions.
However, it will take a strong political will for countries to be independent in software technologies using FOSS. The case of Venezuela should be noted." Bahague added.

The celebration is a global grassroots effort to promote public awareness and use of free and open source software (FOSS). Over 50 countries joined this year’s simultaneous celebration of Software Freedom Day.

Locally, computer users from software developers, academics, gaming enthusiasts and even children attended the celebration. A video link, provided by ASTI, to Davao FOSS enthusiasts and SFD celebrations in Vietnam gave a live view of celebrations elsewhere. Booths featuring the use of FOSS for programmers, ordinary users and NGOs were also set up. Kits were distributed to early participants and the media to introduce them to software without the usual restrictions in licensing fees of proprietary software.

About the Event
Software Freedom Day is a global grassroots effort to promote public awareness and use of free and open source software (FOSS). To know more about Software Freedom Day 2007 Celebration, please visit the organizer’s site at http://www.cp-union.org/cms/?q=node/43 [1]. You can also visit the global website at http://www.softwarefreedomday.org [2].

About Q-Linux Labs
Q-Linux Labs is a pioneering full-scope systems integrator in the Philippines focusing on Linux and Open Source technologies. The company’s offerings are focused on three competencies—solutions, services, and training. As a professional organization serving as a single-point-of-contact for Linux and Open Source solutions and services, Q-Linux Labs provides confidence to Philippine businesses who want to leverage on the strength, security, and cost-effectiveness of Open Source. Q-Linux Labs is a division of IT Group, Inc. For more information, visit the company’s website at: http://www.q-linux.com [3] or contact Mr. Victor Mendoza at +632.636 0576 and +632.439.5745 or send an email at victor.mendoza@q-linux.com [4].