The use of Open Source at CSP hasn’t exactly been a long standing tradition, but I say “It’s about time!”

While I’m not particularly involved in any Open Source projects, I have seen the benefits of using Open Source technology. I can see the benefits to CSP in terms of finances, innovation, and information exchange.

Here are some of the things that I would like to see implemented:

• Move to an e-mail and calendaring system that actually supports open standards (unlike Microsoft Exchange) that will allow easier and more efficient information sharing.
• Move from a 90% Windows Server environment to a 90% Linux or other Open Source server environment.
• Move to an open standard for documents making it easier to share information.
• Use open authentication standards for securing information such as OpenLDAP and OpenID.
• Move all of our web servers to Apache and away from Microsoft’s IIS to put CSP in line with 80% of the web servers on the Internet.
• Reduce CSP’s dependence on Microsoft and other expensive closed-source technologies.
• Improve programming language skills (i.e. Python etc.) to allow CSP to fully participate and contribute in Open Source communities and projects.
• Lastly CSP should take a positive stance toward and even generate policy supporting the use of Open Source technologies and initiatives, thus providing a “thoughtful, and informed” educational environment for all involved.