International Open Source Network - A Case Study

UNDP Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme runs a Centre of Excellence for Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) in the Asia-Pacific region - the International Open Source Network (IOSN). As part of its myriad activities, IOSN hosts a community operated portal at www.iosn.net. This case study attempts to document and understand the community- and technology-related dimensions of this portal.

The community dimension explores the participatory management of the IOSN portal, and the process of building a network that involves give and take within the IOSN community.

The technological dimension examines the tools used for facilitating this participatory process within the IOSN community, and in its outreach and advocacy activities. The case study details IOSN's progressive change of FOSS content management platforms, reasons for doing so and the subsequent outcomes.

This life-cycle structure of IOSN’s experience will provide guidelines for individuals and communities who wish to imitate the IOSN model and practices in building a portal and networks, and organizing knowledge for their programmes and projects.

Download case study:

• IOSN Case Study - Open Document Format (1.1MB)

Permanent Link: http://www.iosn.net/about/case-study

Related Links

• APDIP e-Note 5 - Building Online Communities of Practice: The International Open Source Network Model
• IOSN Web Portal

Contact:

Sunil Abraham and Khairil Yusof

info@iosn.net