Open for Discussion

Linux, open source, and all-around tech expert Brian Proffitt is your guide to the business, community, and events that comprise open source in IT today.

by Brian Proffitt

Follow Brian on Google+

Brian Proffitt is a veteran Linux and open source journalist/analyst with experience in a variety of technologies, including cloud, virtualization, and consumer devices.

Mandriva SA cedes control to Mandriva community

Posted May 18, 2012 - 07:41 am

Just days after the Mandriva community started its own plans for the next release of the French Linux distribution, its commercial sponsor has formally announced that the community will take the lead on all Mandriva Linux development moving forward.
Lotus Symphony realigns with Apache OpenOffice

Posted May 17, 2012 - 12:58 pm

Lotus Symphony is starting to merge with Apache OpenOffice this week, bringing new features and changing the open office suite landscape again.
Mozilla retreating on Linux?

Posted May 16, 2012 - 12:19 pm

Mozilla is resisting app marketplace support on Linux. Is this the beginning of a trend that will see Firefox knocked off the Linux hill?
Pondering the future of Skype

Posted May 15, 2012 - 09:19 am

Skype for Linux seems poised for movement after many months of stagnation. But with all the competition, is Skype itself about to fade away?
The real limits of cloud computing

Posted May 14, 2012 - 01:33 pm

Is Google Drive the functionality that will harbor a new age of personal cloud computing?
FSF President Stallman falls ill at conference

Posted May 10, 2012 - 04:14 pm

Rumors that free software guru Richard Stallman suffered a heart attack at a Spanish conference are off the mark.
Facebook likes the application marketplace

Posted May 10, 2012 - 10:34 am

Facebook's new App Center is open source-friendly. But could the rise of marketplaces prevent FLOSS apps from being distributed?
Fedora Project is naming names

Posted May 09, 2012 - 11:11 am

The Fedora Project is still trying to clarify its process of naming major releases, a process that has been met with calls for revision within the Fedora community.
Apache OpenOffice 3.4 release marks new milestone

Posted May 08, 2012 - 10:00 am

The first version of OpenOffice under the governance of the Apache Software Foundation has been released. What does it mean for the software and the ASF?
Why Android developers aren't getting paid

Posted May 07, 2012 - 10:53 am

Even as Android still continues to be the disruptive story in mobile marketshare, some industry analysts are continuing to point out the popular open source platforms biggest weakness: monetization.

May is...
Cloud Month

BY THE NUMBERS: Cloud computing

CAREER: Top cloud jobs

MANAGEMENT: Cost battle: Cloud computing vs. in-house IT

REVIEW: 4 killer cloud IDEs

DEVELOPMENT: When to use cloud platforms vs. dedicated servers

SLIDESHOW: Top 10 cloud tools for IT pros

Learn more

Will Microsoft's anti-iPad strategy work?

6 comments
Linux commands: Newusers adds new users ... fast and furious!

2 comments
More Mobile Collaboration Apps Needed

2 comments
Mount Everest ice is melting away, researchers say

2 comments
Which restaurants violate health codes and other insights from open data

1 comment

White Papers & Webcasts

White Paper

Controlling the Cost of File Transfers

Webcast On Demand

MFT and FileXpress - An Overview

White Paper

Secure Data Streaming with Attachmate FileXpress

See more White Papers | Webcasts

Join today!

Get FREE access to premium content, in-depth reviews, practical tips

6 IT hiring tips to weed out the duds
Rule #1: Don't hire out of desperation.
4 free tools to simulate a cloud connection
Linux-based WAN emulation tools worth a look.
15 common IT resume mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Learn how to build a better resume.