Engaging the Defence Sector with Open Source

OpenSA have invited me to speak on "Engaging the Defence Sector with Open Source: Commons for Collins or GPL for Growlers?" in Adelaide, 19 April 2010. Defence programs have traditionally used custom designed computer systems with custom programming tailored to each new defence system. However, there is now more use of commercial off the shelf equipment, which includes scope for more use of open source software. The subtitle of the talk refers to the Collins Class Submarine follow-on project and the acquisition of 12 F/A-18G "Growler"electronic warfare aircraft by Australia. These systems have the potential to use open source software.

Engaging the Defence Sector with Open Source
Tom Worthington

5pm 19th April 2010
“The Thinking Space” Science Exchange, 56 Exchange Place, Adelaide SA 5000

Free for member companies, up to 2 reps; $10 for additional reps. $20 for non-members; membership may be applied and paid for at the event.

Free and open source software has obvious benefits, but it can be difficult to explain these to organisations such as the Department of Defence. A brief guide to technology in the defence organisation will be given by a former senior ICT policy advisor. Tips on what to say to who and how to contact defence IT personnel and decision makers will be provided.

Tom Worthington took a temporary six month posting at the Defence Department and stayed for nine years, with time in both the military Headquarters Australian Defence Force and the civilian Defence Material Organisation. During that time he got to fly in military aircraft and occasionally wear a borrowed uniform at wargames, but spent most time advising on restructuring IT projects, including incorporation of Unix into the Defence computing environment.

Tom provided technical leadership and represented Defence at interdepartmental and industry committees. He was prepared the first Defence policy on Internet information services and managed the first Defence web site and and Ministerial site. He advised on technologies and products for the Defence Common Operating Environment.

Since leaving Defence, Tom has been an independent IT consultant and teaches at the Australian National University. He is an honorary life member, fellow and former president of the ACS, as well as a member of ACM and IEEE-CS. He designed the ACS/ANU/OUA Green Technology Strategies course.

RSVP by COB Friday 16th April 2010 to Angela Anderson at Loftus, either by phone 8304 8888, or by email
rsvp(a)opensa.org.au

http://opensa.org.au