The Big Open Source Vision at Schleswig-Holstein

A German state made big news recently by announcing that it was shifting to an open source strategy. Press releases focused on the decision of Schleswig-Holstein’s management to replace Microsoft Office with LibreOffice, the most popular open source office suite. But the strategy is much broader than that, and governments everywhere should take note of Schleswig-Holstein’s reasoning.

Schleswig-Holstein is a modest-sized state with about three million residents. Its best-known city is Lübeck, famous among literary circles as the locale of Thomas Mann’s novel Buddenbrooks.

The switch in office suites, first of all, reflects a desire to save money as well as to avoid vendor lock-in. These are common reasons for adopting free and open source software, but any organization taking such steps must learn to think in an open source manner. That’s what “digitization minister” Dirk Schrödter articulates in the press release (in German) posted on April 3.

Schrödter recognizes the importance of open standards to facilitate communication among different groups. The money that Schleswig-Holstein hopes to save from switching to LibreOffice will go toward a strategy of digital collaboration. Further open source moves and training for staff will follow.

Schrödter’s view of open source as a transformation in how people work with technology is similar to LPI’s approach to open source as enabling and empowering the people who learn and run it.

The use of third-party online services (popularly known as “cloud” services or Software as a Service) is another worldwide trend Schrödter recognizes, and he is very alert to the privacy and data risks that the cloud involves. He plans to adopt cloud services run on open source software, intending to make sure that data privacy is protected.

Following the move to LibreOffice, Schrödter intends a much bigger transition away from Microsoft Windows to GNU/Linux. The city of Munich initiated such a move two decades ago, and they ran into enormous opposition. Even though the rationale for the move was carefully researched and documented, resistance from both internal and external actors held up the move for years.

A switch to free and open source software is more than an installation and training task. Thinking collaboratively and in an open source manner behooves anyone who wants to benefit from open source. Schrödter and Schleswig-Holstein seem to have understood this, and the federal state appears to be on a path that is both innovative and sustainable.

Source: lpi.org

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Community Survey – Let Us Know What Matters to You

A new community survey from the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) is now live. We offer these surveys every 5 years, so please visit the link and help us better understand your needs and priorities.

Our goal is to continue to ensure the role of the individual in the development, adoption and professional use of open source software. To achieve this goal, LPI needs to be more driven and led by open source professionals—by the people whose skills we have certified. Results from this survey will influence the programs, benefits, and resources we offer our community members.

The survey is anonymous, responses are optional, and all data collected is subject to LPI’s Privacy Policy.

Questions cover a range of issues, including what services and training you value from LPI, what kinds of discounts and incentives we should offer, and how we can further help free and open source communities. There are also open-ended questions where you can list your concerns.

Read More: LPI Certification

Source: lpi.org

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Open Source Essentials is Essential

Over three years ago Evan Leibovitch and I started advocating for a certification that we nicknamed “BOSS: The Business of Open Source Software”.

The motivation for creating this certification was two-fold. We wanted to reach out to managers of Open Source technical people and give them a path to become members of LPI. We often found that these managers (while technically trained in other ways or not technically trained at all) made decisions that affected Open Source technical people.

From my own experience at Digital Equipment Corporation starting in 1994 there were many managers who did not understand the business model of Open Source, the many licenses, the interaction of those licenses between each other or closed source licenses, how using software from suppliers that were not under contract might affect release schedules, and any number of other things.

In addition, while some managers would send engineers to trade shows to answer customers’ questions (paying the engineers salary plus travel expenses and registration fees), fewer managers would send engineers to technical conferences and particularly ones on “free software”.

Unfortunately we also found managers who thought they understood the business of Open Source software, but were relying on information and business practices of long ago or had never really studied it.

Evan and I also identified other potential audiences for this knowledge. Intellectual Property (IP) lawyers, salespeople, HR people, marketing people, and even other people involved with closed source software. There was, and is, a lot of misinformation out there.

Evan and I felt very strongly about this certification and eventually we made the case to the Board of LPI and the staff.

The staff felt that we should develop a certificate first, to bring the concepts to as many people as possible, particularly since much of the information is slower changing than a technical certification. A certificate, with its lifetime viability, was a much better value proposition to the holder. Over time LPI might develop a more in-depth certification.

So LPI developed the “Open Source Essentials” program. As with all of our other “essentials”, we will publish the list of objectives and (over time) provide freely available training materials as well.

For all of the people who have tried to convince their managers about using Open Source and have encountered the manager who says “I know all I need to know about Open Source,” just show them the objectives.

Source: lpi.org

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The Ultimate Guide to Building a Successful Career with Linux Professional Institute Certification

In the rapidly evolving landscape of information technology, Linux has emerged as a pivotal platform powering a multitude of systems worldwide. With its open-source nature, flexibility, and robustness, Linux has become the backbone of modern computing infrastructure. As the demand for Linux expertise continues to soar, professionals seeking to carve a niche in the IT industry are turning to Linux Professional Institute (LPI) certification as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career.

Understanding Linux Professional Institute Certification

Linux Professional Institute (LPI) is a globally recognized organization dedicated to advancing the Linux and open-source ecosystem through professional certification and training. LPI offers a comprehensive certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in various aspects of Linux administration, system architecture, and security.

Advantages of Linux Professional Institute Certification

1. Industry Recognition and Credibility

Obtaining LPI certification not only demonstrates your proficiency in Linux systems but also serves as a badge of credibility in the eyes of employers and peers. With LPI certification, you establish yourself as a knowledgeable and skilled professional capable of tackling complex IT challenges.

2. Career Opportunities

A Linux Professional Institute certification opens doors to a wide array of career opportunities in the IT industry. From system administration and network engineering to cybersecurity and cloud computing, certified professionals are in high demand across various sectors, including technology firms, government agencies, and multinational corporations.

3. Competitive Edge

In today's competitive job market, having LPI certification sets you apart from your peers. Employers often prioritize candidates with recognized certifications, viewing them as more capable and reliable assets to their organizations. By earning LPI certification, you enhance your marketability and increase your chances of securing lucrative job offers and career advancements.

Steps to Achieve LPI Certification Success

1. Comprehensive Exam Preparation

To excel in LPI certification exams, thorough preparation is key. Familiarize yourself with the exam objectives, study guides, and practice tests provided by LPI. Invest time in hands-on experience with Linux systems, honing your skills in installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.

2. Enroll in Training Courses

Consider enrolling in LPI-approved training courses offered by authorized training partners. These courses provide in-depth instruction and practical exercises tailored to help you master the required competencies for certification success. Take advantage of online resources, forums, and community support to enhance your learning experience.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice makes perfect. Dedicate ample time to hands-on practice with Linux environments, experimenting with different scenarios and configurations. Set up virtual labs or utilize cloud-based platforms to simulate real-world environments and refine your skills. The more familiar you become with Linux systems, the more confident you'll be on exam day.

4. Stay Updated and Engaged

Keep abreast of the latest developments in the Linux ecosystem by following industry news, attending webinars, and participating in relevant forums and communities. Engage with fellow professionals, share insights, and seek advice from experienced practitioners. Continuous learning and collaboration are essential for staying relevant and competitive in the ever-evolving IT landscape.

Conclusion

Embarking on a Linux Professional Institute certification journey can be a transformative experience, propelling your career to new heights and unlocking a world of opportunities in the dynamic field of information technology. By leveraging the resources and guidance provided by LPI, along with your dedication and perseverance, you can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career as a Linux professional.

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Linux Professional Institute Launches the Open Source Essentials Education Program

Toronto, 04-04-2024 – Linux Professional Institute (LPI) announces the launch of Open Source Essentials, a certificate and education program targeting the common set of knowledge everyone with a role in open source should have.

“Open source is nowadays used in professional settings more than ever. This implies that professionals with very different backgrounds, from developers and technicians to project managers, lawyers, and account managers, do work related to open source. With Open Source Essentials we establish a common set of knowledge and a common vocabulary to enable professionals of all sorts to collaborate with each other and consider the most important aspects of Open Source,” says Fabian Thorns, Director of Product Development at LPI.

“The learning objectives are designed to cover all major domains that affect Open Source. They include software fundamentals, open source software licenses, open content licenses, open source business models, and project management as well as collaboration and communication. The combination of knowledge from these realms will, for example, allow a lawyer to understand what a ‘merge request’ is and a technician to understand what exactly constitutes a ‘derivative work’ in the sense of copyright,” explains Thorns.

The exam is part of LPI’s Essentials certificate track. The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions that have to be answered within 60 minutes. The Open Source Essentials certificate is designed to complement other professional qualifications that benefit from or require knowledge of open source software, open content, and other kinds of open technologies.

“Open Source Essentials is a tool for both professionals and organizations who want to use, create, and contribute to free technologies in a well informed, responsible, and sustainable way. We welcome organizations to use this certificate to prove their ability to behave as good open source community members. We also encourage everyone to leverage our objectives and learning materials when educating their staff. We also recommend that, within the course of adopting open source technology into their organization, they institutionalize their open source efforts, for example, by setting up an Open Source Program Office,“ says G. Matthew Rice, Executive Director of LPI.

Along with the exam, LPI provides comprehensive learning materials to allow candidates to prepare for the exam. The materials are designed to support self-studies as well as training and teaching. The materials are free for personal use by anyone and available to LPI partners.

The initial set of lessons is available at learning.lpi.org/en/learning-materials/050-100/. Additional lessons as well as first translations will be added to the learning materials within the next few weeks. The Open Source Essentials exam is available on the Pearson Vue testing centers and the Person OnVue testing platform. More information is available on the LPI website at lpi.org/ose.

About Linux Professional Institute (LPI)

Linux Professional Institute (LPI) is the global certification standard and career support organization for open source professionals. With more than 200,000 certification holders, it’s the world’s first and largest vendor-neutral Linux and open source certification body. LPI has certified professionals in over 180 countries, delivers exams in multiple languages, and has hundreds of training partners.

Source: lpi.org

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Exploring the Value of Linux Essentials Certification

In today's ever-evolving digital landscape, Linux continues to assert its dominance as one of the most widely used operating systems, powering everything from smartphones to servers. With its open-source nature and robust capabilities, Linux has become a cornerstone of the tech industry. As such, the demand for professionals proficient in Linux administration and operations has soared.

Understanding Linux Essentials Certification

Linux Essentials certification serves as an entry point into the world of Linux for aspiring IT professionals. Developed by the Linux Professional Institute (LPI), this certification is designed to validate foundational knowledge and skills in Linux systems and operations.

Core Concepts Covered

The Linux Essentials certification covers a broad range of core concepts essential for understanding and working with Linux systems. These include:

• Basic Command Line Skills: Candidates learn essential Linux commands and utilities, enabling them to navigate and manipulate files and directories efficiently.
• System Administration: Fundamental principles of Linux system administration are explored, including user management, file permissions, and system configurations.
• Networking Fundamentals: The certification delves into networking concepts such as IP addressing, routing, and network protocols, providing a solid understanding of Linux networking capabilities.
• Security: Security fundamentals are emphasized, equipping candidates with the knowledge to secure Linux systems against various threats and vulnerabilities.

Target Audience

Linux Essentials certification is ideal for individuals looking to kickstart their careers in IT or expand their existing skill set. Whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or an IT professional seeking to diversify your expertise, Linux Essentials certification offers a valuable entry point into the world of Linux.

Is Linux Essentials Certification Worth It?

Career Advancement Opportunities

Obtaining Linux Essentials certification can significantly enhance your career prospects in the IT industry. As Linux continues to gain prominence across various sectors, the demand for skilled Linux professionals is at an all-time high. Holding Linux Essentials certification demonstrates to employers your commitment to mastering Linux fundamentals, making you a more attractive candidate for entry-level IT roles.

Industry Recognition

Linux Professional Institute (LPI) certifications are globally recognized and respected within the IT community. Achieving Linux Essentials certification not only validates your Linux proficiency but also enhances your credibility as a knowledgeable and competent IT professional. This industry recognition can open doors to exciting career opportunities and professional growth.

Skill Development

Beyond the credential itself, pursuing Linux Essentials certification offers an invaluable opportunity to develop practical Linux skills. The comprehensive curriculum covers essential concepts that form the foundation of Linux expertise, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle real-world Linux challenges effectively. Whether you're aiming to pursue a career in system administration, cybersecurity, or software development, the skills acquired through Linux Essentials certification are highly transferable and in-demand.

Conclusion

In a technology-driven world where Linux reigns supreme, Linux Essentials certification serves as a gateway to success for aspiring IT professionals. By obtaining this certification, you not only validate your Linux proficiency but also position yourself for lucrative career opportunities and professional advancement. Whether you're just starting your journey in IT or seeking to expand your skill set, Linux Essentials certification is a worthwhile investment in your future success.

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