Open Source Software (OSS) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) - Webinar

On Feb 11, 2008, 3:00-4:30pm EST, David A. Wheeler presented on "Open Source Software and the DoD". It was open to the public, at no charge. This presentation was hosted by the Data & Analysis Center for Software (DACS), which is technically managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory - Information Directorate (AFRL/IF).

Summary: "Open source software (OSS) has become widespread, but there are many misconceptions about it - resulting in numerous missed opportunities. This presentation will clarify what OSS is (and isn't), rebut common misunderstandings about OSS, discuss the relationship of OSS and security, discuss how to find and evaluate OSS, and explain OSS licensing (including how to combine products and select a license). It will show why nearly all extant OSS is COTS software, and thus why it's illegal (as well as foolish) to ignore OSS options."

The presentation was developed entirely using open source software (specifically Fedora Core and OpenOffice.org).

A audiovisual presentation is available via Google.

A number of questions were asked during the presentation; here are my attempts to answer those questions about OSS and DoD.

DACS has informed me that "about 200 registered people [attended]. This means that more than that actually attended given some people will run this in a conference room."

Here are some comments on the presentation: