Monthly archives: March 2011


Open Source knowledge/skills gaps across HM Government – Part 1: Business Intelligence Software – London 21/04/11 1

This is the 1st of several planned events being hosted by the Open Source Specialist Group (OSSG) and the Young Professionals Group (YPG) that considers Open Source knowledge/skills gaps across HM Government with a Panel of Open Source Software suppliers. Part 1: Business Intelligence Software will be held at the BCS Central London Offices, First Floor, The Davidson Building, 5 Southampton Street, London WC2E 7HA (http://www.bcs.org/upload/pdf/london-office-guide.pdf) on Thursday 21st April 2011, from 1800 to 2100 hours.

This bookable event is free and open to all with buffet and refreshments. To book a place to attend please contact Mark Elkins via mark_elkins@bcs.org

Panel

Chair Mark Elkins, OSSG

Ben Bryant of Voodoo-IS – a Pentaho Partner

Bryan Drexler  of Jaspersoft

Martin James of Talend

James Noble of Mazepoint – a Jedox Palo Partner

Malcolm Newbury of Guildfoss will give an overview of the Debate questions (set out below) to be considered by a Panel of Open Source Software suppliers and the assembled audience.

Debates

1. What Business Intelligence (BI) Software is HMG using at the moment (to the best knowledge of the panel and audience) and what Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) could it be using for BI? Are they better than non FOSS and can they do more for less? What are the costs? Reliability? Security?

2. What training/skills are required by HMG to use the FOSS BI versions? Are there enough people out there with the skills? Are Graduates equipped with the right training?

3. What would be the ideal way of implementing FOSS BI across HMG? For example through external Systems Integrators or direct use of HMG staff?

4. What specific barriers might exist in HMG to the adoption of FOSS BI?