Staff Reporter
OPEN Source, described as the free software movement that revolutionised Information Technology worldwide, has come to Qatar with the formation of the Arabian Peninsula’s first-ever Open Source group in Doha, the Qatar Perlmongers, it was announced yesterday.
Open Source is the term given to software developed by highly qualified enthusiasts under the terms of the Open Source agreement. 
The software is developed and shared freely with the operating system Linux as the most famous example of this revolutionary approach to technology.
Locally-based open source expert Nigel Gourlay stated that the belief that all good technology comes from big corporations is just not the case. He pointed out that 58% of all websites now use the Apache webserver - an open source solution.
“In fact it is almost impossible to surf the web and not come across an open source solution,” said Gourlay while observing that there’s a high level of interest in the group with over 14 active members after just a few weeks of existence. QatarLiving.com, one of the most popular local resources on life in Qatar, is powered solely by Open Source technology.
With over 20 Open Source projects under his belt, Gourlay is well-placed to help Qatar take advantage of this revolution.  “I was active in the London Perlmongers group so when I moved here last year I was keen to see how I could recreate that group here,” he said.
In his experience, it’s easy to explain the benefits of free software to IT staff - its technology borne from a passion for technology and it works.  It’s harder to convince IT managers because it is, to some extent, still seen as unproven. 
“However, with the right technical people involved free software is cheaper, more resilient, flexible and efficient,” the expert maintained.
Qatar Perlmongers has two aims - to provide free software users in the Arabian Peninsula area with a forum for education, problem solving, job seeking and advice and project collaboration, and secondly to promote the use of Open Source technology as an alternative to the commercially available products. 
It also seeks to develop new software projects of benefit to Qatar and the region and is actively seeking sponsorship at present.
“One project that Gourlay is currently working on is about helping make great literature available freely and easily to the masses via the Internet. 
“It’s taking existing resources, like the Gutenberg project, and turning the books into something that you or I might enjoy reading on screen,” he said.
Another example is the geolocation system Gourlay has been developing and updating since 2002. This helps websites identify where browsers come from so they can apply relevant language or tax restrictions.
“Free software really does deliver real-life benefits to users, its just that you may not even be aware you’re using it,” Gourlay added.
Qatar Perlmongers is open to all those interested in technology, Open Source and free software no matter what age or experience. 
Further information can be found at http://qatar.pm.org/