Software Mercantile Trends: Return to Feudalism?

Society has advanced beyond the chains of feudalism, yet the dispute over software intellectual property has many characteristics of the old feudal economy. Mr Terpstra's lively and engaging analysis looks at marketing methods and the impact they have on innovation in software development. He presents compelling evidence that we may be witnessing a conflict of feudalist ideals against the diffusion of libre innovation.

Can the mercantile navy of feudalism stem the tide of free-thinking enlightenment? Software engineers find themselves increasingly at the centre of business issues - this presentation arms you with impressive facts that provide direction and logic in an ocean of conflicting and confusing claims.

The presentation concludes with updates in respect of Libre software on the desktop and the server. Those present will be treated to an update on Samba-3 and an overview of future directions.

John H Terpstra is a member of the formation committee of the Desktop Linux Consortium and a long term member of the Samba-Team (a major Open Source project).

He is CEO/President with PrimaStasys, Inc. A company that mentors Information Technology companies and facilitates profitable change in practices. John is also CEO of Fabuluss Software, Inc. — an innovative company that is working to popularize next generation desktop productivity enhancements.

John is a well known contributor and visionary in the open source community with a very active commercial focus. He a member of the Open Source Software Institute Advisory Board. He has worked with the LSB, Li18nux (now OpenI18N.Org), and is a best selling author of "The Official Samba-3 HOWTO and Reference Guide," ISBN: 0131453556. He has other books in production.

John has worked with The SCO Group (previously Caldera Inc.), TurboLinux Inc., in VP level positions. Prior to moving to the USA in 1999, John founded and managed Aquasoft Pty Ltd (Aust.) for 10 years. He as a Graduate Diploma in Marketing (with Credit), UTS Aust. and an Applied Science Certificate in Chemistry, QUT (Aust.).