You've heard about the economic and technical benefits of open source software, and perhaps even made the decision to go with open source-based solutions. But you are also aware of some big issues that need to be addressed, perhaps framed by a degree of fear, uncertainty and doubt.

You might be unsure as to what support options are available. You may have concerns about Intellectual Property indemnification. And you've possibly read of cases where people have fallen foul of the licensing conditions attached to open source software.

For sure, Open Source Software presents enterprises with an unprecedented range of benefits. But with it come considerations and obligations: support, Intellectual Property and licensing amongst them. These need not be onerous, but you need to have a good, thorough understanding of them and the implications.

This conference will cover these key issues about open source software and will show how enterprises can accelerate effective and appropriate adoption.

BT has joined forces with Canonical (the creators of the market leading desktop Linux distribution), IBM and Moorcrofts LLP to bring you a full agenda that is designed to be both enlightening and practical. Speakers will include Mark Shuttleworth, the CEO of Canonical and founder of Ubuntu Linux, Adam Jollans, Open Source Strategy Manager at IBM, and JP Rangaswami, BT’s Chief Scientist, as well as Andrew Katz, Partner at Moorcrofts LLP. There will also be a panel Q&A session chaired by long-time open source expert and author, Glyn Moody.

It’s a great line up and we hope you will be able to join us.

Kind regards,

Jeremy Ruston, Head of Open Source Innovation, BT.

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12:30 - Reception with light buffet.

13:10 - Welcome and introduction: The Empire strikes back. JP Rangaswami, Chief Scientist, BT.

 On the introduction of open source software enterprises are prone to an 'autoimmune' response as existing functions often struggle to get to grips with key considerations and to truly understand the real benefit that open source software presents. In this talk JP will give a candid insight into the challenges to adoption that organisations may face and will position open source software within the context of the traditional IT organisation.

13:25 - Keynote. Mark Shuttleworth, CEO, Canonical.

 Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Ubuntu, the world's fastest-growing open-source operating system, and Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, gives the business case for introducing free and open-source software (FOSS) to the enterprise.

 He explains that implementation can be done with minimal disruption and instant benefits to the business. With the advent of cloud, a rapidly developing area of computing which is changing the face of enterprise technology, Mark explains how there has never been a better time for businesses to explore the benefits of open source.

14:05 - Open Source governance - a customer perspective. Steve Bouch, Synapse Project, BT.

 How effective governance helped the BT Synapse project team meet their open source objectives.

14:15 -  Myths, risks and other tongue-twisters - legal aspects of managing risk, expectations and liability in open source contracts. Andrew Katz, Partner at Moorcrofts LLP.

 Open source comes with perceived risks, but when examined closely, many of these risks are illusory, and the rest are manageable. Andrew examines some of the myths and risks through comparing contract terms typically applicable in proprietary and open source projects, and explains how to deal with indemnification and IPR infringement issues.

14:45 - Coffee break and opportunity to visit stands.

 Stands from: BT, Canonical, IBM, Moorcrofts LLP and the International Free and Open Source Software Law Review.

15:15 -  Integrating Open Source Into Your Business. Adam Jollans, Open Source Strategy Manager, IBM.

 Most businesses using open source software today are neither start-ups nor new to IT, and so need to consider how to integrate open source into their existing business processes rather than having the freedom to invent completely new systems. Over the past 10 years, IBM has both integrated open source into its own business processes, through its involvement with over 150 open source projects, and has also advised many customers on how to integrate open source into their businesses. In this presentation, Adam Jollans, Open Source Strategy Manager at IBM, will discuss the key issues and share best practices based on both IBM and customer experiences.

16:55 - Panel. All speakers - chair: Glyn Moody.

 An expert panel chaired by Glyn Moody will discuss key issues raised during the course of the day and will be on hand to address questions from the audience.

16:40 - BT's Open Source Journey. Jeremy Ruston, Head of Open Source Innovation, BT.

 A little over two years ago BT acquired the company behind an open source project and with it gained a Head of Open Source Innovation. In the time that has elapsed since then BT has not only developed a participatory approach to innovation with open source software, but has also put in place governance in support of its use across the entire organisation and has developed relationships with a number of open source communities. And the journey doesn't end there...

17:00 - Main event close.

17:05 - Drinks at a nearby venue.

19:00 - Close.

Note: this event is also listed on Upcoming (Eventbrite registration still required).