Some Open source companies are trying to form a European network, accrding to the press release mentioned on OBOOE.eu:
Berlin, 11.01.2008 — Representatives of the European open source software industries gathered in Berlin 10th of January 2008 to found a network of European Open Source SMEs. The purpose of the network is to create a voice for the thousands of SMEs which are a currently under-represented industry and a vital part of the European economy.
The Open Business Organisation of Europe (OBOOE) will unite regional associations of open source businesses. Henri Bergius, representative of the Finnish Centre for Open Source Solutions (COSS): "The current situation is that most of European OSS companies have more business cooperation with software companies from abroad than within Europe."
OBOOE aims to represent European OSS professionals in a joint voice and tap the full potential of the regional industries. Elmar Geese, representative of the German LIVE Linux Verband: "OBOOE will develop the open source market and industry by matchmaking, sharing of knowledge and business opportunities."
Alexandre Zapolsky representative of French federation of open source professionals (FNILL) says: "It is an historical day! With OBOOE we are going to build the Europe of open Source Software. We are going to pass from the time of speech to the time of action. It is very exciting!"
Xavier Heymans, Brussels spokesman of Zea Partners a networks representing 14 countries says: "OBOOE will raise awareness of open source business success stories with a focus on SMEs and therefore support and promote the interests of the open source ecosystem by contributing to market efficiency and supporting a thriving European economy."
Jorge Villar Guijarro, Fundecyt, Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology in Extremadura: "OSS is a leverage to reduce the digital divide by promoting e-inclusion through the reduction of barriers to access to technology, as the example of the FLOSS ecosystem of Extremadura shows very clearly."
Contact:
website: http://www.obooe.eu
Germany:
Elmar Geese, LIVE Linux Verband, ed.dnabrev-xunil|eseeg.e#ed.dnabrev-xunil|eseeg.e
Spain:
Jorge Villar Guijarro, Fundecyt, Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology in Extremadura, ten.arudamertxeatnuj|ralliv.egroj#ten.arudamertxeatnuj|ralliv.egroj
Finland:
Henri Bergius, COSS Centre for Open Source Solutions, if.iki|suigreb.irneh#if.iki|suigreb.irneh
Belgium:
Xavier Heymans, Zea Partners, gro.srentrapaez|reivax#gro.srentrapaez|reivax
France:
Alexandre Zapolsky, FNILL, Federation Nationale de l'Industrie du Logiciels Libres gro.llinf|ykslopaz.erdnaxela#gro.llinf|ykslopaz.erdnaxela
The defense of FLOSS interests in the EU institutions is a real disaster.