June 2016 - Free-software-melb - lists.softwarefreedom.com.au

Fairphone: The smartphone with social values
by Ben Finney 13 Jul '16

13 Jul '16

Howdy all, Many of our recent meetings have touched on the difficulty of obtaining a handheld computer (a “smartphone”) that works with only free software. Has anyone looked into the Fairphone <URL:https://www.fairphone.com/>? There have been some models historically that could be made to work with some degree of free software, but this is one where the designers are proud of how the hardware is in control of the owner who bought it. They deliver only within Europe for now. Does anyone know someone in the EU (which for now still includes the UK!) who could help some of us by ordering a few Fairphone devices and delivering them to Australia? -- \ “When we talk to God, we're praying. When God talks to us, | `\ we're schizophrenic.” —Jane Wagner, via Lily Tomlin, 1985 | _o__) | Ben Finney

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Star News is covering the Free Software budget issue
by Riley Baird 28 Jun '16

28 Jun '16

Hi, I've just got confirmation from Star News that they'll be attending the meeting at 6:15. If you want to get FSM in the paper, then you'll need to have someone come down at that time. The reason that they're coming is that I'm doing my submission in the format of a magic show, and they're interested. I'm mentioning FSM in my speech, but having someone come down might make it seem better. Again, it's up to you, I just thought that I should let you know that the media is now covering this. Regards, Riley

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Re: [free-software-melb] Free-software-melb Digest, Vol 66, Issue 7
by Ben M 24 Jun '16

24 Jun '16

> The City of Casey sent me a form email yesterday letting me know about > the time and date of the meeting and acknowledging that they have > received my submission. They haven't acknowledged FSM's submission yet. > So that we can get all of the problems sorted out before the night, > would someone (preferably the person who plans to speak) be able to > call Casey today and clarify that they've received it? > > I've got a confirmation that FSM is registered to attend... I won't be able to attend during the day, so if someone could step up if the opportunity is presented and speak to the general benefits of open source solutions we mention in the submission that would be great. I'll include most of the email below as there is also a call for potential vendors, perhaps people here will know open source vendors to encourage to get in touch with them. ~~ Ben M. The City of Casey is conducting an industry briefing regarding its current and future ICT programs on Monday 27th June 2016. The briefing will cover three core topics: - An Expression of Interest that has been released in relation to the implementation of new infrastructure services. These services will include external hosting, wide area network, security services and associated implementation services; - A number of smaller Requests for Quotation (RfQs) that will be released in the next few weeks. The RfQs will seek assistance for a number of projects including the development of a security program, the implementation of service management processes with supporting tool and assistance with project management for internal initiatives; and - An outline of the core business capabilities for which technology platform strategies will be developed over the next twelve to eighteen months. While there is no intention to go to market in the immediate future, vendors will be invited to make contact to demonstrate capabilities that may inform the development of these business focussed strategies. If any of the above topics are of interest to your company, you can view further information (including the draft EoI for the infrastructure program) at https://www.tenderlink.com/casey/ by referring to “Details For Notice #CASEY-728635”. The details of the industry briefing are: Date: Monday 27 June 2016 Time: 10.00am Where: Civic Centre, Chambers, Magid Drive, Narre Warren VIC 3805 If you wish to attend, please register via email to contracts(a)casey.vic.gov.au If you are unable to attend the briefing, but wish to be considered as a potential vendor, please reply to this email with contact details and the nature of your interest in the program. Please note that where appropriate, information may be only be distributed directly to selected vendors based on procurement guidelines and known vendor capabilities. It is advised that you register at https://www.tenderlink.com/casey/ for information that is provided to the general market, particularly if you cannot attend the briefing.

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Casey submission
by Riley Baird 22 Jun '16

22 Jun '16

The City of Casey sent me a form email yesterday letting me know about the time and date of the meeting and acknowledging that they have received my submission. They haven't acknowledged FSM's submission yet. So that we can get all of the problems sorted out before the night, would someone (preferably the person who plans to speak) be able to call Casey today and clarify that they've received it?

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City of Casey final draft
by Ben M 21 Jun '16

21 Jun '16

Hi all, I've mashed up all our ideas and suggestions and have something rather presentable here: https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/fsm-City-of-Casey Please don't leave comments as this is what we will be sending, but do make any improvements that you can see or corrections you can make. I'll take a "late lunch" and try and send this about 3~4pm ... until then improve away (checking that all the links work and point to the desired pages is something easy to do and yet to be done, also making the language consistent like always using FOSS or Free an Open Source Software would be neat) Thanks to everyone who chipped in research, suggested alternatives, examples and words in general :D ~~ Ben M.

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Re: [free-software-melb] City of Casey final draft
by Riley Baird 21 Jun '16

21 Jun '16

On Tue, 21 Jun 2016 10:56:11 +1000 Andrew Pam <andrew(a)sericyb.com.au> wrote: > On 21/06/16 10:54, Andrew Pam wrote: > > That's the latest management fad. Maybe recommend something like > > Effektif? > > Here's another alternative: talend > > https://www.talend.com/resource/business-management-process.html I've added them both in; thanks for finding them.

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Re: [free-software-melb] Free-software-melb Digest, Vol 66, Issue 4
by Ben M 18 Jun '16

18 Jun '16

> > out an idea for something we might be able to send in here: > > https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/fsm-City-of-Casey > > All I see is: > > Welcome to WMF etherpad installation... > ************************************************* > Sorry about that, looks like my initial post had failed, verified from another device it worked this time. ~~ Ben M

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Re: [free-software-melb] Free-software-melb Digest, Vol 66, Issue 2
by Ben M 18 Jun '16

18 Jun '16

On Tue, Jun 14, 2016 at 10:00 PM, < free-software-melb-request(a)lists.softwarefreedom.com.au> wrote: > They're accepting submissions for their draft budget until 21 June at > 5pm. If we make submissions, we might be able to convince Council to > switch some of their devices to free software. > > Riley Baird > > Thanks for the heads up Riley, I've never made a draft submission to a budget before, but I've sketched out an idea for something we might be able to send in here: https://etherpad.wikimedia.org/p/fsm-City-of-Casey At the moment it's still a bit vague-er than I'd like and a few missing references and examples, but I think it at least covers the major points and could be something we build on. We'll need to have it ready to send Monday night, so time is of the essence! Feel free to contribute directly to the etherpad or get in touch with me to make any suggestions or amendments ~~ Ben M.

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Software in the City of Casey's Draft Budget
by Riley Baird 16 Jun '16

16 Jun '16

Hi, The City of Casey has released their draft budget. In it, they propose to spend more than $1 million on software. Some examples: $45000 is allocated to upgrade Windows, Office and Exchange, $420000 is allocated to venue booking software and $40000 is allocated to "business process software purchases". Many of these software solutions could be replaced by free software, which would save Council money. They're accepting submissions for their draft budget until 21 June at 5pm. If we make submissions, we might be able to convince Council to switch some of their devices to free software. You can see the full draft budget here[1] the IT costs are on page 39 of the PDF Making a submission doesn't take a long time, and there's no set format. Send it to caseycc(a)casey.vic.gov.au. You also have the option of speaking in person at a council meeting on the 28th; if you want to do this, you need to mention it in your email. Thanks, Riley Baird ---- [1] http://caseyconversations.com.au/budget/documents/36443/download

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Free Software Melbourne 16/06/2016 - DRM and you
by Ben M 09 Jun '16

09 Jun '16

Free Software Melbourne - Meetup 16th June 2016 What’s that sound? That’s the next free software meeting coming down the tracks. If you are watching Netflix, grabbing the latest audio book from Audible or just streaming the next big smash flop on Pandora… DON'T DO THAT! If you do then you are deep into the realm of DRM (Digital Restrictions Management), something that our main guest this month knows a few things about. Meet Adam Turner, Free lance journalist, our main speaker and all round good guy (I can safely presume); as he chats to us about how DRM affects our lives. Having been a writer for close to two decade for the likes of The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald plus almost every local technology publication online you could care to mention AND having a weekly podcast discussing all facets of modern technology. One gets the feeling he might know a thing or two about these issues and it will be a fascination talk and discussion. For more information check out his website www.adamturner.com.au For more additional information about how DRM is affecting our lives check out https://www.defectivebydesign.org/ As is the standard there will be the monthly Gnews sure to get people chatting so please, do get involved. We want to hear your voice. Bring a friend if you want as everyone is welcome. Come join our community on Thursday 16th June at the Electron Workshop; 31 Arden Street, North Melbourne. https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/2556615434#map=19/-37.80118/144.95071 Doors open at 6pm with the talks going from 6:30pm til 8pm then dinner around the corner. Tea and Coffee will be provided gratis with other drinks available for purchase. See you all there!

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