Abstract: Ever wonder what the buzz around open source is all about? What value does it offer you? This session will share information about how open source is changing the world around software projects as they are known today. Open Source challenges the way we think about putting projects together, picking team leaders, sharing ideas, testing code, delivering and supporting software products in today's market. Open Source is affecting industries outside of typical software projects as well. The concept of building communities around projects is growing mind share around the world and individuals are building professional resumes as they have never before. Some of the benefits individuals can derive from working in an open source community range from:

* Ability to connect with others around similar project interests

* Real time feedback on work

* Opportunity to work with individuals on a global basis

* Opportunity to develop technical skills

* Online work experience with opportunity for future employment

Short Bio: Deb Woods is an NCSU BSEE graduate with over 10 years experience working with open source projects. Previously worked at Red Hat as VP Product Management and currently works at Ingres Corporation (http://ingres.com/) , open source database company, as the VP Product Management and serves as a board member for the Open Solutions Alliance (http://opensolutionsalliance.org/osa/Portal7c54.html?command=Default&siteId=2&tabId=9).