Abstract:
There is an increasing debate on the role and potential benefits of
Free/Open-Source
Software
(FOSS),
particularly
in
supporting
developing countries in their attempts to increase the use of information
and communication technology (ICT).
his research investigates the level of FOSS development and
application in Sudan by analyzing the ecosystems that foster the
development of FOSS: the Public sector, the Private sector, Universities
and Communities of Developers. FOSS leads to the economic and social
development. Data has been collected by surveying the four elements that
are mentioned above through questionnaires and interviews to obtain
qualitative and quantitative values. The SWOT Analysis report provides
an inventory of the area’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
threats (SWOT) and assesses the degree to which each sector supports
future growth. The overall goal of this thesis
is to have a clear
understanding of ecosystem strengths and areas of potential that can be
built upon and better marketed and areas of weaknesses so as to be
remedied. Findings of this thesis will lead to some recommendations to
improve the situation.
In conclusion, a thorough overview of current situation regarding FOSS
development and application is presented, creating a starting point for the
identification of new business opportunities for Sudanese companies, and
new fields of research and studies for developers to continue promoting
the use and development of FOSS in Sudan.
