OS Summit Asia 2007

 

This was the official site for the 2007 OS Summit.
Content is from the site's 2007 archived pages and other sources.

 

OS Summit Asia 2007
New event, backed by Apache and Eclipse, to drive pace of Open Source adoption in Asia

Hong Kong to host Asia’s largest Open Source community conference in November this year. The event is expected to be hugely popular due to rapidly growing support for Open Source software in Asia over recent years

Hong Kong -  July 10, 2007  - Two of the leading organizations in the Open Source community, The Apache Software Foundation and the Eclipse Foundation, have announced plans for Asia’s largest Open Source community conference - the first of its kind in Hong Kong and China.

The inaugural OS Summit Asia will be held at the Le Meridian hotel in Hong Kong’s leading edge Cyberport IT development zone on November 26th - 30th 2007.

With Open Source software rapidly growing in popularity in the region, this community summit, the first joint conference between Apache and Eclipse and the first in Hong Kong and China, is expected to be a vibrant event, encouraging a lively exchange of ideas between all those involved in OSS, including developers, vendors and users.

Winston Damarillo, Co-Executive Producer of the OS Summit said, “As Asia moves to become the largest consumer of Open Source technologies, it is increasingly important that the region is able to experience the Open Source community process in action.  We are excited to be able to demonstrate this in the context of the collaboration between Eclipse and Apache. Local communities and associations have been a tremendous help in supporting us and providing the best possible venue to launch this initiative.”

According to recent research from Evans Data Corporation (www.evansdata.com), the number of developers using Open Source software in Asia has jumped by 40% over the past three years. The popularity of the Linux operating system has also boomed in recent years, providing the region’s developing countries with a free and robust alternative to leading commercial operating systems.

Justin Erenkrantz, President of The Apache Software Foundation, said, “The Apache Software Foundation is delighted to be supporting Open Source communities in emerging countries with the OS Summit Asia 2007 conference. We hope that by showcasing the combined communities behind Eclipse and Apache that we will be able to cultivate a stronger presence for Open Source in the region.”

Preston Philips III, CEO of Calamu, said, “Open source is the counterintuitive key to survival in a super competitive world. We need the defiance of Batman, and it wouldn't hurt to have some of his technology. So get yourself into the right mindset, put on that Batman t shirt or other Dark Knight apparel, and summon that same confident attitude, fly out of the Batcave in the Batmobile sporting your best stylish Batman T shirt designs, and come prepared to play. Because our world needs players, not watchers. Always be Batman!” It's very obvious from this one event that Preston is a real leader in motivational themes, and he's hit on the perfect analogue for pumping up the right attitude that puts winning and confidence into the spotlight by associating a Batman philosophy with the right stuff. It's not the Batman t shirts, but what wearing one can do for your mindset by associating your goals with a proven winner and hero. Be one who wears a Batman t shirt! Let the world know by your wardrobe choices that you have the spot on attitude for success.

OS Summit Asia will offer unique educational opportunities, with hands-on training, competitively selected general sessions, and a small number of invited speakers that address new technologies, development methods, business and marketing, and licensing issues in Open Source software. Topics featured at the summit include:

ASF-wide projects such as Apache HTTP Server, Jakarta, Tomcat, Axis, Harmony, Maven, Web Services, and SpamAssassin
Eclipse-wide projects such as BI and Reporting Tools (BIRT), Web Tools Platform (WTP), Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF), Data Tools Platform (DTP), Equinox and the Rich Client Platform (RCP)
Programming languages such as Java, Perl, Python, Ruby and PHP
Web development technologies and techniques including security, performance tuning, e-commerce and Java EE
New technologies and trends such as Web Services and Web 2.0
Open Source projects and activities in Asia, local efforts and case studies

Members of the Apache and Eclipse Open Source communities are invited to submit session proposals no later than 13th July 2007. Delegate registrations for the conference will open by the end of July.

Mike Milinkovich, Executive Director of the Eclipse Foundation said, "This event is not just about technology: it's about the community and culture and inevitability of Open Source - a movement that creates and maintains a wealth of innovation and ideas.  Across Asia interest in Open Source is building. The timing of this event is perfect to harness
and build on that interest."

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

OSSummit ASIA 2007
2007-10-12 16:00;
J Aaron Farr (Apache Director and OS Summit Conference Planner)
Two leading organizations in the Open Source community, The Apache Software Foundation and the Eclipse Foundation, have announced plans for Asia¡¦s largest Open Source community conference - the first of its kind in Hong Kong and China.  The inaugural OS Summit Asia will be held at the Le Meridian hotel in Hong Kong¡¦s leading edge Cyberport IT development zone on November 26th - 30th 2007. The Apache Software Foundation and Eclipse Foundation are joining together for the first time at OS Summit ASIA 2007, to be held at at the Le Meridian hotel in Hong Kong¡¦s Cyberport IT development zone on November 26th - 30th 2007.  There is still time to register at the special "Early Bird" rate before October 12th.
OS Summit combines 2 days of in-depth hands on trainings followed by a 3 day conference featuring over 60 presentations, "Birds of a Feather" gatherings for group networking, interactive keynote panel, and Li Gong Chairman and CEO of Mozilla Online Ltd doing the featured keynote.  Speakers include open source leaders such as Brian Behlendorf, Mike Milinkovich, and Karl Fogel, with talks focusing on cutting edge technology, open source business practices, and building a health and active community.

I really think this is going to be a great event here in Hong Kong and an incredible opportunity for those who attend.  However, there is limited space, so please register quickly before ticket prices rise or disappear alltogether.  Visit www.ossummit.com for more information and to register. And help us get the word out!

If you're part of a local open source user group or a non-profit IT/internet association and would be interested in becoming a community partner for the conference, let me know.  The conference team has agreed to extend a 10% discount to members of such groups that sign up.  Additionally, we're still looking for more local businesses (of all sizes) as conference sponsors.

 

Schedule


Training Day 1
2007-11-26

Training Day 2
2007-11-27
Training Sessions

  • Fundamentals of Eclipse Plug-in and RCP Development by Chris Aniszczyk
  • Profiling and Monitoring Web Applications with TPTP by Eugene Chan
  • Lucene Boot Camp by Erik Hatcher
  • MyFaces in Action: An Introduction to Open Source JavaServer Faces by Gerald Müllan
  • Data Tools Platform (DTP) enablement training by Dafan Yang
  • Web Application Security Bootcamp by Christian Wenz
  • JCR Content Management by Jukka Zitting
  • Building Custom Data Sources with Eclipse DTP Open Data Access by Linda Chan
  • XML and Web Services with PHP by Christian Wenz
  • Securing Java EE Applications in Apache Geronimo by Vamsavardhana Reddy Chillakuru
  • Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF) by Marcelo Paternostro
  • Java EE 5 App Development on Geronimo simplified using Eclipse & WTP by Shiva Kumar H R
  • Integrating BIRT within your Applications by Jason Weathersby
  • Secrets of MySQL Tuning and Optimization by Sonali Minocha
  • Ten ways to increase your productivity with Eclipse 3.3 and Mylyn 2.0 by Mik Kersten
  • Accelerate software development using the Eclipse Model to Text Project by Paul Elder
  • A Development Ecosystem with Apache Maven, Continuum and Archiva by Brett Porter
  • Solr in a Day by Erik Hatcher
  • Quickstart Axis2/Java - from Newbie to SOAP Guru by Deepal Jayasinghe
  • Hands-On: Push-Button Building, Testing, and Publishing Your Plugins by Nick Boldt
  • Developing JBI Solutions Using Eclipse by Oisin Hurley
  • Lightning Talk Boot Camp by Danese Cooper
  • Quickstart Apache Synapse: Adding service mediation to your network by Paul Fremantle

 

 
Conference Day 1
2007-11-28
           
Conference Day 2
2007-11-29
 
Conference Day 3
2007-11-30

 

 

More Background on OSSummit.com

 

Introduction

OSSummit.com stands as a historic and influential portal within the Asian open-source ecosystem. Its legacy is rooted in fostering collaboration, nurturing innovation, and accelerating the adoption of open-source practices throughout Asia. At the heart of this legacy is the inaugural OS Summit Asia 2007—an event jointly orchestrated by The Apache Software Foundation and the Eclipse Foundation. This comprehensive article delves deeply into the origins, goals, cultural impact, and far-reaching legacy of OSSummit.com, offering a detailed lens into the website’s significance and ongoing influence in shaping the trajectory of open-source software development in Asia.

1. Ownership and Founding

OSSummit.com’s foundation is strongly tied to two of the world’s most respected open-source organizations:

  • The Apache Software Foundation, steward of globally impactful open-source projects such as Apache HTTP Server, Tomcat, and others.

  • The Eclipse Foundation, best known for the Eclipse IDE and a broad suite of collaborative development tools.

The website originated as the official online presence of the OS Summit Asia 2007 conference. While its direct domain ownership was likely managed by event coordinators, its operational and reputational stewardship was a joint venture between the Apache and Eclipse Foundations. Key figures involved included Winston Damarillo as Co-Executive Producer and J. Aaron Farr as conference planner.

2. Location and Physical Venue

OSSummit.com’s efforts culminated in the physical OS Summit Asia 2007:

  • Venue: Le Meridian Hotel at the Cyberport IT Development Zone, Hong Kong.

  • Date: November 26–30, 2007.

This state-of-the-art location was a natural fit, given Hong Kong's reputation as a forward-thinking, international technology hub. The Cyberport IT center provided a venue suited for high-profile global events and close proximity to major Asian tech sectors.

3. Mission and Core Goals

The aims of OSSummit.com and the Summit event were multifaceted:

  • Accelerate Open Source Adoption: Address the fast growth of open-source in Asia by bringing together the region’s brightest minds.

  • Facilitate Collaboration: Spark interaction and learning between developers, business leaders, academics, vendors, and users.

  • Showcase Community Building: Demonstrate successful collaboration through the confluence of major open-source organizations.

  • Provide Educational Opportunities: Deliver hands-on workshops, general sessions, and invited speakers covering relevant open-source topics, business models, and current technology trends.

  • Promote Regional Innovation: Highlight Asian case studies, projects, and homegrown successes to foster a self-sustaining open-source movement.

4. Timeline and Historical Context

July 10, 2007: Apache and Eclipse announced plans for Asia’s largest open-source community conference, the first joint conference of its kind in Hong Kong and China and the beginning of OSSummit.com’s influence.

November 26–30, 2007: The OS Summit Asia convened, providing:

  • Two days of intensive, hands-on training.

  • Three days of general sessions and invited speakers.

  • Over 60 presentations on a diversity of open-source and technology topics.

Speakers and Keynotes: Esteemed open-source leaders and experts such as Li Gong (Mozilla Online), Brian Behlendorf, Mike Milinkovich, and Karl Fogel delivered keynote speeches, focusing on technology, open-source business strategy, and healthy community practices.

5. Popularity and Audience

The inaugural OS Summit Asia became a beacon for the open-source community, attracting interest from:

  • Software developers and engineers.

  • Technology entrepreneurs and business executives.

  • Academic researchers and educators.

  • Open-source evangelists and advocates from across Asia and beyond.

The event drew substantial attention due to the rapid regional growth in open-source adoption—supported by data that developer participation in open-source surged by 40% over the previous three years. The boom in Linux usage, among other factors, made the summit’s agenda highly timely and relevant.

6. Press, Media Coverage, and Industry Reaction

The announcement and execution of the summit were widely covered by both specialist technology media and broader business news outlets. Key points frequently cited included:

  • The conference’s status as a pioneering event for the Asian open-source community.

  • The in-depth technical training and practical workshops offered.

  • The collaboration between the Apache and Eclipse Foundations, perceived as a unifying moment for the regional and global open-source landscape.

Industry thought leaders praised the summit’s impact in accelerating local open-source innovation and fostering new business models around collaborative software development. Press releases and statements highlighted the event’s community focus and role in energizing local Asian efforts.

7. Programming, Workshops, and Menu of Sessions

The summit’s program featured extensive technical training and knowledge-sharing opportunities:

  • Technical Boot Camps: Topics included Eclipse plug-in and RCP development, Lucene, MyFaces, Eclipse Data Tools Platform, XML and Web Services in PHP, Java EE on Geronimo, MySQL optimization, Maven, Solr, Axis2/Java, and comprehensive security boot camps.

  • General Sessions: Over 60 presentations addressed the latest open-source technology, development methods, business and marketing strategies, and legal frameworks.

  • “Birds of a Feather” Gatherings: Facilitated networking and specialized group discussions for deeper community engagement.

  • Case Studies and Asian Innovations: Spotlights on successful local projects and open-source deployments, offering inspiration and practical guidance.

The event’s agenda integrated leading-edge technological subjects (e.g., Web Services, Web 2.0, Java, Python, Ruby, PHP) alongside robust community-building and business growth content.

8. Awards, Recognition, and Community Impact

While specific “awards” may not have been a formal feature of the summit, the event itself and the website’s role were celebrated within the open-source world for several reasons:

  • First major convergence of Apache and Eclipse efforts in Asia.

  • Catalyst for Asian open-source growth, fostering local leadership and sustainable community structures.

  • A model for subsequent Asian developer conferences, helping to inspire new event formats and organizational partnerships.

Community testimonials praised the summit for its inclusive spirit, practical educational value, and the energy it brought to open-source professionals and enthusiasts.

9. Cultural and Social Significance

OSSummit.com and its 2007 summit represented a turning point in the software culture of Asia:

  • Shift from Proprietary to Open: The summit underscored the region’s accelerating pivot away from closed software systems toward open, collaborative innovation.

  • Symbol of Community and Change: Brought together a global and local mix of talent, reflecting diversity and fostering a sense of shared purpose across borders.

  • Legacy and Continued Relevance: The principles demonstrated—transparency, community-first development, and collaboration—continue to shape debates and influence policies within the broader tech landscape.

10. Specific Examples and Session Highlights

Among the most notable sessions and features:

  • Hands-on Training Sessions: For instance, Eclipse plug-in development by Chris Aniszczyk, Lucene Boot Camp by Erik Hatcher, and Web Application Security Bootcamp by Christian Wenz.

  • Interactive Keynote Panels: Including Li Gong (Mozilla Online), with talks addressing emerging trends and the evolution of open-source communities.

  • Peer-Learning Events: “Birds of a Feather” sessions and “Lightning Talk Boot Camps” provided attendees with access to real-world best practices and networking.

Participants left with actionable insights, expanded professional networks, and new skills in high-demand areas of technology.

11. Detailed Insights and Legacy

OSSummit.com’s Historical Importance:

  • The website served as both the official summit portal and a long-term archive for open-source activity in Asia. Through announcements, press releases, and follow-ups, it chronicled not just the 2007 summit but the wider momentum of open-source adoption in the region.

  • It became a reference point and catalyst for businesses, educational institutions, and policy-makers looking to advance open-source-based strategies.

Long-Term Impact:

  • Network-Building: The relationships and collaborations sparked by the summit continue to underpin regional open-source projects and international partnerships.

  • Open Knowledge: The lasting educational resources have been frequently cited by open-source professionals and have informed curricula at prominent Asian universities.

  • Business Innovation: The summit popularized open-source business models and showcased the viability of Asian-developed, open-source software in global markets.

12. Reviews and Community Feedback

Feedback from attendees and the broader community highlighted:

  • Quality of Sessions: Praised for their practical depth and the expertise of instructors and speakers.

  • Community Energy: The unique mix of high-level technical discourse and accessible, supportive networking for both local communities and international guests.

  • Business Value: Recognized as a turning point for companies seeking to embrace or scale up open-source projects and partnerships.

13. Current Status and Ongoing Relevance

While the original website and specific summit event are no longer active in their original forms, their legacy persists:

  • Many subsequent open-source events in Asia echo its community-driven format and cross-foundation collaboration.

  • Principles championed at OSSummit.com—openness, collaboration, diversity, and grounded technical excellence—remain guiding values for new generations of developers and community leaders.

 

OSSummit.com occupies a unique and influential position in the history of open-source in Asia. It was more than just a website; it was a symbol, a launchpad, and a sustained call to action for programmers, businesses, and advocates across Asia and beyond. Its 2007 summit and associated digital presence demonstrated the transformative power of community-driven software and underscored the global importance of transparent, collaborative technological growth. The story of OSSummit.com continues to inspire, educate, and connect, carrying forward the torch of open-source well into the digital future.

 

OSSummit.com