The East African Center for Open Source Software (EACOSS) working with other learning institutions around Eastern Africa has launched a prestigious certification programme to allow students of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) work towards quality, similar methodology and standards. Working with Makerere University - Faculty of Technology Research Centre, Ruaha University College in Tanzania and soon to be announced Universities in Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia & Rwanda, the various centres will be able to train students for the FOSS certifications.

The world is fast moving away from dependency on a few software developers and distributors to many different options making the FOSS applications more popular than ever before! We would like to encourage all Network & Systems Administrators, Database Experts and Website Developers to take advantage  of this new innovation to get certified.

The centre, which was founded in April 2004 by Uganda Martyrs University and a private company Linux Solutions to promote the use of Free and Open Source Software in Eastern Africa, is has successfully created a very innovative FOSS community and is continuously imparting students and professionals with skills in FOSS. EACOSS has in addition to training created a department for ICT change management that allows users to migrate in between applications.

We all understand that ICT forms an Integral part of development our aim therefore is to impart knowledge and skills that present a new and quick solution to business needs. Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is suitable for learning, sharing and Implementation given its low cost and easy access advantage. Applications developed based on this platform have proven to be very stable and reliable in changing methods of business, governance, service delivery, education and entertainment among others.

EACOSS now focusing on adding value to University Degrees and professionals wishing to keep abreast with changes in ICT extends training in computer use, administration (Network, Database & Website) as well as website development & database programming. Feel free to contact the centre for more information.

Richard Okuti

General Manager Africa