OSS that Attracts Social Attention with its Outstanding Features

OSS represented by Linux, is characterized wherein anyone can receive the source code of the program, change the software and distribute the copies. By promoting use of OSS, the end users, such as the government, the local government, enterprises and software companies, can benefit not only from cost reduction due to efficient procurement, but also procurement transparency and security.

OSS does not indicate the software technology itself, but the concept of the licensing structure that guarantees development, distribution and use. In recent years, software has turned from a mere hardware attachment into the social infrastructure supplying various contents through hardware. As a result, social demands for software versatility, fair competition in the industry and the development of IT human resources are heightening rapidly. The characters of OSS such as openness, safety, transparency and reusability are attracting attention from the standpoint of responding to these demands.

OSS Center Promotes Utilization and Dissemination

The recognition of OSS benefits is permeating into society. On the other hand, there is the problem that users tend to feel apprehensive when they actually utilize OSS as OSS implies the principle of self-responsibility.

Furthermore, there are functions and services that are not necessarily sufficient in certain OSS. However, OSS has the advantage of being able to concentrate the knowledge and skills of many people, as well the expectation of its wide use in the future. Thus, OSS Center was established as the nucleus for promoting OSS utilization and dissemination in Japan and as the main body for tackling the issues and fields of higher priority to be advanced in Japan.

OSS Center works in cooperation with various domestic and overseas organizations such as Japan OSS Promotion Forum and Northeast Asia OSS Promotion Forum. Activities are conducted while maintaining cooperation with industries, universities and the government, with international collaboration in mind. OSS center will promote the utilization and dissemination of OSS by filling up the technically insufficient portion of OSS as well as collecting leading-edge information from both domestic and overseas and making them available to the end users and various communities.