Press Release 2007-08-03 "Service Provider Directory Launched"

Contact: Frank Warmerdam

Email: 	info@osgeo.org

OSGeo Launches Service Provider Directory

Directory of Consultants and Solutions Providers for Open Source Geospatial Opens

Eganville, Ontario, Canada, August 3rd, 2007 - The Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) is pleased to announce the general availability of the OSGeo Service Provider Directory. The directory is a simple web application for identifying organizations and individuals offering services around open source geospatial technologies. The directory contains firms and individuals from around the world, with expertise on a variety of open source technologies including the core projects managed by OSGeo. The directory can be found off the OSGeo home page, or directly at:

http://www.osgeo.org/spd_help

Search Criteria

The directory supports searching for service providers based on technology, location and language.

Our technology list includes major open source geospatial packages for which commercial service is offered. As additional packages are brought to our attention by service providers and demonstrate sufficient interest, they will be added to the list.

The location search allows searchers to connect with individuals and organizations that operate in their country. Though many firms and individuals will provide services anywhere in the world, some of our users feel more comfortable establishing relationships with local businesses. This will allow these users to easilly narrow down their choices.

The language search allows users to identify service providers who can provide service in their native language.

Service Providers not Vetted

One thing that is important to keep in mind is that OSGeo does not attempt to qualify those who register in the service provider directory. The directory operates as a service to help identify potential service providers, but it is still up to the potential client to evaluate the capacity and appropriateness of different service providers.

Providers Welcome

The OSGeo Service Provider Directory already includes approximately 80 organizations and individuals providing services around open source geospatial software, and we welcome additional service providers. Registration is free, and details are available through a link on the main Service Provider Directory page.

About the Open Source Geospatial Foundation

The Open Source Geospatial Foundation, or OSGeo, is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support and promote the collaborative development of open geospatial technologies and data. The Foundation provides financial, organizational and legal support to the broader open source geospatial community. It also serves as an independent legal entity to which community members can contribute code, funding and other resources, secure in the knowledge that their contributions will be maintained for public benefit.

OSGeo also serves as an outreach and advocacy organization for the open source geospatial community, and provides a common forum and shared infrastructure for improving cross-project collaboration. The Foundation's projects are all freely available and useable under an OSI-certified open source license.

© Copyright 2007 Open Source Geospatial Foundation, under the Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivatives (by-nd) License.