Open source is the focus theme at the CeBIT 2009 conference

To most observers, the keyword Open Source is emerging for the first time as the main focus theme at the CeBIT 2009 conference, in Hannover Germany.

The conference organizers and the Linux Foundation are now encouraging Open Source projects to bid for free exhibit booths at the conference, along with a couple more goodies.

The largest global IT trade show, CeBIT 2009 opens March 3rd to the 8th, 2009. For the very first time, Open Source becomes THE central theme at the conference and this of course has the Linux community very excited.

Without such projects, FOSS (free software) would be unthinkable, therefore not only will industries take part, but open source projects will even have the opportunity to share their work with the larger public.

Linux Magazine, together with the conference organizer Deutsche Messe AG, is therefore seeking out projects that wish to present their work publicly at CeBIT Open Source.

A jury will decide by November 30 who will be awarded the free booths. The jury will include international open source experts, among them the LF (Linux Foundation). The Foundation is the non profit organization behind the Linux operating system and currently employs Linux founder Linus Torvalds.

Amanda McPherson, v.p. of marketing and developer programs with the Linux Foundation said "The Linux Foundation is pleased to note that such a large and important IT trade show as CeBit places its main focus on open source software. We're pleased to support the conference and expand the use of open source software."

CeBIT Open Source 2009 offers a deadline of October 30, 2008 for open source developers to submit their applications.

In addition to their presentations at the conference, the winning projects will also have the opportunity to present their work to a larger public in the German and international editions of Linux Magazine Online. The jury will include international Open Source experts named by Linux New Media and will decide on the winning entries by November 30. The winners will be announced on Linux Magazine Online.

Beginning today, the manager of every Open Source project can ask for a free booth at the conference.

It's important to note that only noncommercial projects with strong connection to Linux or Open Source project will be considered. Interested projects can get further details from the participation requirements. Apply via the Internet application form online or phone CeBIT directly.