Linux Solutions Group e.V. (LiSoG) formed
Mar 21st, 12:25 UTC
New platform to promote Linux based business through real life solutions.
Stuttgart, March 7th, 2005: With the support of IBM, MySQL, Novell, RedHat, Siemens Business Services and numerous other IT companies, universities and users from the private and public sector (city of Munich, Stuttgart, Nürnberg, Schwäbisch Hall) the Linux Solutions Group (LiSoG) starts its activities today. The goal of the new cooperation-platform is to promote the use of Linux solutions and to increase Linux product acceptance with a wider audience. Besides the global players of the IT industry, the initiative is supported by small and medium sized businesses that are engaged in Linux and Open Source activities, such as becom Holding GmbH (Schwerte), Skynamics AG (Munich), Topalis AG (Stuttgart), Pyramid Computer GmbH (Freiburg), probusiness AG (Hannover) and Pironet NDH AG (Cologne). Linux enterprise users like the Stuttgarter Lebensversicherung a.G. also support the new initiative. Focus of the LiSoG will be the German speaking countries. The office will be located in Stuttgart.
The intent of the LiSoG is to develop several industry- and technology-oriented solutions per year with a clear focus on users and real life scenarios. Promising Linux solutions will be analyzed by LiSoG members, documented and brought to commercial usability in close cooperation with enterprise users, followed by marketing activities through the members.
Up to now, existing Linux initiatives have focused on technical developments but not much on decision guidance for Linux solutions. The goal of the LiSoG is help Linux users in this area and to show them that the individual solutions run on the most diverse platforms. The LiSoG sees itself as a carrier of know-how. It is neutral in its choice of platform, manufacturer and technology. The bundling of competence and know-how within the LiSoG will ensure that the number of business applications that run under Linux, will grow faster than it has so far.
Karl-Eugen Binder, department head of the System-data center of the Stuttgarter Lebensversicherung a.G., comments on his work within the LiSoG: "As a Linux user, I am very pleased about this project. Linux and Open Source is the future. With the LiSoG, the user will finally be the focus of interest. The activities of the LiSoG will contribute to the acceptance of Linux solutions, and will therefore ensure that the number of applications and uses increases."
Tom Schwaller, technical director of the LiSoG, explains: "Using practical examples, the LiSoG will demonstrate the many possibilities for the use of Linux and Open Source within companies. In this way, companies can decide more easily whether these offerings are suitable for them." Schwaller has been involved with Linux for more than 11 years. Among other things, he was a founding member of the Linux New Media AG, and was also editor-in-chief of the German Linux-Magazine for a period of four years. He subsequently became a Linux Enterprise Specialist at IBM until the end of 2004. In the LiSoG, he will have no manufacturer preferences.
The LiSoG will start its work now, based on 29 founding members. The LiSoG e.V. is open to additional IT-Companies and users in order to enhance its real life relevance. The participating parties may support the LiSoG on top of a member fee with monetary donations or with benefits-in-kind (such as "man-power leasing", consulting, task sponsoring and infrastructure). Furthermore, the LiSoG will work very closely with a wide range of Open Source communities and Linux organisations. Klaus Haasis was appointed managing director. The office will be run by the MFG Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart.
(Submitted by Tom Schwaller of Linux Solutions Group e.V.)
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