As previously stated, it has come to my attention that some people might not be aware of the intentions of Fen Systems with regard to OSIE, and might have leapt to their own conclusions. This post is intended to clarify any potential areas of misunderstanding. Fen Systems *does* expect that the existence of OSIE will be commercially beneficial to Fen Systems. Given that we are in the business of providing Linux-based solutions to UK schools, it is inevitable that an organisation dedicated to promoting the use of Linux (and other open-source software) in UK schools will benefit us in some way, whether we want it to or not. Since we are likely to benefit from the existence of OSIE, it is only proper that we should also contribute to it. It would be reprehensible if we were to sit back, playing no active role, and simply enjoy the benefits created by the work of others (as some people seem to be suggesting that we should do). As good "open-source citizens" (to borrow a phrase used recently), we should be contributing actively in whatever ways we can. The fact that we are a business rather than a not-for-profit group is irrelevant - free software does not mean "software with no commercial involvement" and anyone who thinks that businesses have no place in open-source projects simply doesn't understand what the "free" in "free software" means. We have no desire to "control" OSIE. If the organisation is not seen to be independent, then it is of no benefit to us or to anyone else. Those of you who were at the meeting on March 12 will remember that the independence of OSIE was the first point I made under the heading of "Implementation". No "control" does not mean no involvement, nor does it mean that we do not want to have a say in the direction OSIE takes. The independence of an organisation is assured by having multiple interests represented at all "levels". It is *not* assured by having specific interests (e.g. commercial interests) "barred" from involvement. Again, anyone who thinks that "free" and "open-source" means "non-commercial" has not understood the concepts "free" and "open-source" and should have a good read through http://www.fsf.org/ We will ensure that content we produce for OSIE is not unfairly biased in favour of our products and services. For example, the current Resource Library makes no mention of any particular vendor, not even to the extent of saying (for example) that Fen Systems are working on an improved graphing capability for Octave. However, we will also endeavour to ensure that OSIE content is not unfairly biased *against* our products and services. For example, we would consider it inappropriate for what is currently the section on "How to get open-source software" to change so that it spends twelve pages discussing downloading, burning CDs, installation procedures, installation troubleshooting etc. and then mentions, as a footnote, "by the way, you can also buy ready-made systems". If there is a question in the Knowledge Base asking "how can I write a PHP web-page to act as a form for my complex relational database?" then we would consider it appropriate to post an answer that, alongside giving some pointers on how to get started with PHP, mentioned that Fen Systems would be prepared to develop such a page under the terms of its UNIQUES service. After all, not everyone wants to spend several days learning a new programming language if they have the alternative of paying £50 to get someone else to do it so that they can concentrate on the 1001 other things on their "to do" list. We think that it is in the interests of everyone that OSIE remain unbiased, and unbiased means that there is no bias in any direction - it does not *just* mean "not biased in favour of commercial organisations". I hope that this is enough explanation - if anyone wants me to clarify any of the points then please e-mail me. BTW, OSIE discussions are now starting in earnest on the osie-general mailing list (Kevin has started the ball rolling). If you do want to be involved in OSIE, please join the list by visiting http://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/osie-general This is my final OSIE-related post to this list, as discussion has now moved to the list on SourceForge. Michael