Africa needs proper infrastructure in order to be able to develop economically. But building infrastructure requires huge amounts of money. Africa cant get the necessary money because she doesnt have the infrastructure in place! So what do we do? Using Open Source to Bootstrap A presentation at the Open Access Conference, University of Ghana 2 nd – 3 rd November, 2009

Using Open Source to Bootstrap Use the little we have but more effectively. At least we can build the digital part of the infrastructure. Through Open Source based products and solutions.

Using Open Source to Bootstrap Building the NRENs with Bifrost routers National Research & Educational Networks Interconnecting Universities, Research Institutions and Other Tertiary Education Institutions. To share Information, Research Data, Internet connectivity and other resources We can achieve all this at a fraction of the cost of using proprietary alternatives – saving bundles

Using Open Source to Bootstrap Building the NRENs with Bifrost routers

Using Open Source to Bootstrap. Work at KTH; The Bifrost Bifrost is a Linux OS based router developed at the Uppsala University of Agricultural Sciences. Has been deployed in production networks of the university and that of Karolinska Institutet for over 10 years Tests for speeds of 10Gbps have been successfully carried out with the router. Runs on X86 platform.

Using Open Source to Bootstrap Work at KTH using Bifrost High Definition Video Conference System between Karolinska Institutet in Solna and Huddinge. 10Gbps Link between KTH Kista and KTH Vallhalla in downtown Stockholm. Proposed HD Video Conference System between Karolinska teaching Hospital in Huddinge, Sweden and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Eduardo Mondlane in Maputo.

Using Open Source to Bootstrap Work in Africa using Bifrost The MAREN in Malawi A network Interconnecting major universities and colleges in Malawi. Once completed MAREN will offer the individual institutions the ability to share a more cost effective Internet connectivity and other resources.

Using Open Source to Bootstrap Work in Africa using Bifrost The MoRENeT in Mozambique Interconnecting 60 Universities and other institutions and providing common Internet connectivity to these institutions. The MaGNet project that will extend and connect the MoRENET to the SEACOM cable.

Using Open Source to Bootstrap Work in Africa using Bifrost Various projects in Tanzanias rural and remote areas such as Serengeti where commercial operators had no interest in extending their services. Providing individuals and authorities in these areas affordable access to the Internet through a fiber cable running on top of power lines.

Using Open Source to Bootstrap Commercializing Bifrost in Africa! How can this be done? Through training local young CS & IT graduates on the routers. Let these start their own companies that will offer the routers and associated services to customers. Support them during the early stages through incubators.

Using Open Source to Bootstrap How will they earn money? Sell services around the routers Technical support Training and Certification Upgrades and Repairs Installation Documentation Network design & implementation Related consultation work

Using Open Source to Bootstrap How do we do it? Have a central organization at the top to be in charge of the following: Equipment Documentation Customer Relations Management Training & Certification courses Equipment specifications

Is it possible? Universities NREIs Banks Hospitals ISPs Strongly recommend Only if from reputable vendor Not sure Not at all

Using Open Source to Bootstrap Thank you for your attention.