OSS4B 2013: Prato opens the door to open source

Open Source Software is one of the most dynamic resources for business: the Open Source philosophy of code availability and redistribution is actually a great opportunity for the development of a more flexible, responsible and reactive model in business and organisations in IT management.

Next September 19 and 20, Prato will host a conference on Open Source Software with several worldwide names of Open Source philosophy and ICT innovation.

Arno Valley: IT friendly

For the first time the city of Prato, set in the Florence area – one of the most “IT friendly” areas in Italy – will host OSS4B: Open Source Software for Business.  This international conference promotes the adoption and usage of open source software both in business and mission-critical environments.

OSS4B is a two-day event of talks and workshops with international speakers who will cover all the features of Open Source Technology: hardware solutions, methodologies and procedures of project management and organisation, best practice principles, business models, research and development, training, marketing, social media engagement, licensing and many more.

OSS4B’s target audience is CEOs, developers, database administrators and network and Sys Admins, as well as project managers from the fields of finance, technology, information, data, marketing, risk/security, law, networking, web, mobile and others.

Kim and Dragos, DevOps and Kanban at OSS4B

The two main focuses of OSS4B are DevOps; the method of integration between software development and information technology, and Kanban; the scheduling system for Lean and Just-In-Time Production.

Keynote Speakers are:

• Gene Kim, researcher focused on IT operations security and compliance, co-author of Tripwire and author of the best-seller “The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps and, Helping Your Business Win”

 

• Dragos Dumitriu, Kanban Training and Coaching for Software Engineering and Service Delivery, General Manager at David J. Anderson and Associates Inc, a global management consulting firm providing Lean and Kanban solutions improving performance, communication, and collaboration for knowledge workers.

Both Gene Kim and Dragos Dumitriu will be in Italy as speakers for the very first time. Dragos will also be teaching a workshop on Kanban on September 23^rd and 24^th.Register here.

Networking at OSS4B!

OSS4B 2013 is a great opportunity for those working in ICT to learn something new and improve their skills. This is a fundamental part of the “continuous improvement” culture that knowledge workers of today value – especially when dealing with open source software.

Futhermore, being able to build and cultivate connections and relationships, both professionally and personally, is another important aspect of succeeding in any work environment, not just ICT. Networking and building professional connections is what OSS4B is also about.

“Open Source Software for Business” represents a unique professional development opportunity in Europe. Inspiring speakers will address key organisational issues and be available to answer your questions.

From Wednesday 18th right through until the evening of Friday 20th September there will be various events where participants can meet, interact and share common interests or experiences. Much attention has been given to social events, ensuring that OSS4B participants unite to form a connected and interactive community throughout the conference.

Value for money: not only does the registration fee include all of the above, it also covers your meals (coffee breaks, lunch breaks and Thursday’s dinner) and, thanks to our sponsors, we are offering the Italian “aperitivo” that will follow the conference.

As a final note, I encourage you to read the “IT Revolution Manifesto” written by Gene Kim (Opening Keynote Speaker at OSS4B), Kevin Behr and George Spafford.

OSS4B: a family friendly conference

While speakers and attendees are busy with OSS4B 2013, their families (including children) will have the chance to participate in a special programme to ensure they make the most of their stay in Tuscany. Fun activities are scheduled throughout the conference, the weekend and the workshop.

The organizers of OSS4B are offering a 35% discount to the friends of O’Reilly. To benefit from this discount, please enter promo code OREIL35952201309 when registering.