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 a variety of 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 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 essentially a list major open source geospatial packages for which commercial service is offered, including all the OSGeo projects. As additional packages are brought to our attention by service providers, and demonstrate sufficient interest, we add them to the technology list.
The location search allows searchers to find individuals and organizations that operate in their country. Though many firms and individuals will provide services anywhere in the world, what we heard from users was that they sometimes want to establish who is available locally.
The language search allows identifying service providers who can provide service in the searchers desired language.
Service Providers not Vetted
One thing that is important to keep in mind is that OSGeo does not attempt 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
On launch the OSGeo Service Provider Directory already includes roughly 80 organizations and individuals providing services around open source geospatial software. However, we welcome additional service providers to register with the directory. Registration is free, and details are available off 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 2006 Open Source Geospatial Foundation, under the Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivatives (by-nd) License.