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Our Bureau

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov. 18

The Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT), a State Government institution, in collaboration with Kerala State IT Mission, is setting up a Centre for Advanced Training in Free and Open Source Software (CATFOSS) at ITes Habitat, Kochi.

The centre is aimed at developing highly qualified human resource pool that can contribute to the development of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) based tools in the country, according to C-DIT officials.

The centre is a take-off from the IT Policy-2007 of the State Government, which gives prime importance to free and open source software (FOSS) in all e-governance projects and targets to make the State as a FOSS destination in the country.

Another major pronouncement in the policy is to build an international research and development centre for free software and free knowledge in collaboration with like-minded countries. The objectives of the initiative include identifying technologies for different applications in government and public enterprises, educational institutions, small business and individuals; developing HR in the State; developing FOSS support systems; stimulate local employment through small-scale FOSS-based industries; and attracting FOSS industries to the State.

It is pointed out that the Government has started translating the pronouncements in the policy on FOSS into practice. At least half a dozen public sector units, to begin with, have firmed up plans to realise ERP solutions in their respective units based on FOSS.

The Kerala State Beverages Corporation (KSBC), which sells India made foreign liquor (IMFL) in the State to the tune of Rs. 4,000 crore a year, is in the process of finalising the total computerisation and networking of all its 300 outlets.

More Stories on : IT Training | Kerala

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