[ILUG] FLOSS support for SME

[Ralph]

Michael Jonker wrote:
> it's logic runs as follows:

> 'Provide a comprehensive, easy to engage with, single point of IT
>  service for SMB's interested in using FOSS'

I stongly support your view of better co-operation between opensource 
support professionals, to prevent SMEs from seeking shelter in the
'Microsoft certified' route. For this to happen we need to bring clear
concepts in front of the eyes of SME owners, that show the benefits
for their business operations in a compelling and understandable way.

For instance, over the last few months I've developed the web encryption
extension, an open source software that can extend every online
application with the encrypt button using GnuPG for encryption on the
server. For the business owner, that means anything that is currently 
sending or storing information in clear text can easily modified
so that the user can encrypt it (on the server) with the push of a button.

This GPLed software can make many things more secure in a business, it
just had to be used.

But even if there are tested, reliable solutions, that does not mean that
anyone takes notice, and here we have to invent a way forward that works, 
co-operation being a (little) first step, but not the magic spell to
break the ignorance.

Ralph