Open Source in China

Just what is the state of open source software in China? And why does this matter to the larger world-wide open source community? We’ll answer these questions as we explore the nature of the Chinese culture and economy and how open source has faired in the Far East. Specific highlights include:

• Overview Chinese culture
• Overview of the Chinese IT industry
• Contrasts of Chinese culture with Western culture
• How culture effects open source projects
• Highlights of current Chinese open source projects
• Challenges faced by open source projects in China
• How Western-based OSS projects can reach out to China
• Bonus: how not to run an OSS conference in China!

By investigating open source in China and contrasting it with open source in the West, we’ll learn much about the communities and cultures in both hemispheres. With China’s increasing global presence, being able to reach out and understand your fellow Chinese committers is increasingly important. Whether you’re a project seeking to attact Chinese committers, or interested in the general issues of global open source communities, this session will expand your horizons.