Google has contributed $350,000 to support open source, free software. The Oregon University will work on software and hardware development and help projects worldwide.


Google has contributed $350,000 to support open source, free software. The Oregon and Portland State Universities will collaborate to “encourage open source software and hardware development, develop academic curricula and provide computing infrastructure to open source projects worldwide.” [source]

The Linux operating system and Mozilla Web browser are two examples of open source technology. They are not privately owned or licensed and are free for downloading. Google’s contribution will promote worldwide projects related to open source technology.

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has announced at a press conference
“We’re extremely excited about the Oregon university open source initiative and thankful for Google’s generous support. This initiative will help our universities build on their leadership role in fostering the next generation of open source technologies, projects and experts in Oregon and around the world.” [source]

Chris DiBona, open source program manager at Google, said, “Google leverages open source software in its development efforts and strongly believes in supporting the open source community.

Supporting the projects and institutions advancing open source software and hardware helps ensure the continued success and advancement of open source technologies”. [source]

This summer, Google also funded a $2 million “Summer of Code” There were 8,744 applicants and out of that more than 400 students from 49 countries successfully completed open source projects. They received grants of $4,500 each for their outstanding work.

Google worked with about 40 open large and small open source, free software and technology-related groups. These included organizations like Apache, Samba, Nmap, Gaim and Internet2.

For a complete outline of students and mentors who worked on Summer of Code projects click here.

To read the full press release click here.

 

 

 

 

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