The Weybridge, UK-based Open Source Consortium has been formed by 60 member companies representing 400 open source software specialists to represent the open source business community.
OSC members include consultancies, and service, support, and solution providers specializing in open source software. The consortium will work to promote the deployment of open source software among public sector organizations.
It also aims to establish a quality standard certification based on a framework for self-assessment and performance improvement. The group also plans to insure against deployment failure due to the financial failings of any member companies.
It is introducing an insurance scheme through which open source software users will be protected if an OSC regulated service or consultancy provider encounters financial difficulties during a deployment. The OSC will also regulate members in an attempt to ensure that they are financially viable.
