Zope UK Association
The Zope UK Association was launched this week at a wine reception held within the House of Commons. The association, which is the first trade organisation for open source software companies within the UK, has the main aim of promoting open source in general and Zope, Plone and Python technologies in particular.Aidan McGuire Director of Blue Fountain Systems and the main sponsor of the event said “Open source is growing in importance as an alternative platform for computer software development. It is important that companies who are promoting this route have a central representative body to present their views to both the Government and other key organisations.”
Seb Bacon from Zope developer Jamkit added “The association will provide a technical centre providing commentary, guidance and advice on all legal and regulatory developments of relevance to Zope, Plone and Python service companies”.
Paul Everitt co founder of Zope Corporation and Director of Zope Europe Association commented “One fundamental principle underlying the association is to provide a forum for the exchange of non-competitive information” He added “It is only by sharing information that we can hope to extend the use of Zope as an application tool into general business use.”
Ian Cottee (aka Zobbo) Technical Director of Blue Fountain added “As Zope moves more and more into the mainstream it was good to meet and talk to others who share our challenges and concerns”
While the evening was attended by most of the Zope vendors in the UK those unable to attend also voiced support. Andy Robinson CIO for ReportLab said “ReportLab wholeheartedly supports the formation of a UK association for Zope and Python companies. These technologies and the applications layered on them are entering the public eye, and there will be great synergies for the firms involved by working together.”
ZopeUK are planning to hold several more events across the UK over the next 12 months.
print this page
