DOSBA doubles membership and strengthens lobbying position
During our first annual meeting at Proxy in Rotterdam, the Dutch Open Source Business Alliance (DOSBA) presented strong growth figures. In its first year, the network grew by 100%. The alliance now has 40 member companies.
This growth strengthens our role as a discussion partner for the government. Through APELL we are also building direct influence on European policy.
100% growth: a strong collective
In one year, DOSBA grew from 20 to 40 specialized open-source companies. This doubling shows the need for a united voice in the IT sector. During the meeting we looked back on a year in which the foundation was built for structural cooperation. We also worked on joint market propositions.
“By doubling our number of members we show that open source is no longer a niche, but a strategic choice for the future,” says Ronny Lam, director of DOSBA. “Our presence in Brussels through APELL and the new legal foundation we are developing make it possible to turn the government’s ‘Open Source, unless’ promise into real practice.”
Knowledge partner for the government
Over the past year we have become an important knowledge partner for the public sector. A key moment was a workshop for procurement officers of the Dutch central government. The session focused on the adoption of open-source solutions.
Dutch Open Source Program Offices (OSPOs) and several government organisations now know how to find DOSBA more easily.
Putting the topic on the agenda and enforcing policy
During the general members meeting an important decision was taken. On the proposal of member WeAreFrank!, we will invest in a legally supported document. This document will form the basis to act more strongly when government organisations do not follow the ‘Open Source, unless’ policy.
This also changes our role. Besides giving advice, we want to contribute more actively to the enforcement of existing policy.
New board and further professionalisation
To support the growth of the alliance, new statutes were adopted. A new board was also formed. DOSBA thanks Marcel Kronengoor and Ronny Lam for their pioneering role.
The new board consists of Bram Buijs, Gábor Nyers, Pieter Izebout and Emiel Brok. Ronny Lam serves as director. He is responsible for the daily management and the external representation of DOSBA.
Become part of the alliance
Open-source companies that want to contribute to a more transparent and independent IT landscape are invited to join DOSBA. More information about membership and joint projects can be found on our website.
About DOSBA
The Dutch Open Source Business Alliance (DOSBA) is a network of specialised companies that believe in the power of open source. Through cooperation, lobbying and knowledge sharing we strengthen the position of open software in both the business and public markets.
