Published on July 29, 2005

If you are a developer of open-source software, here comes some good news.

IBM Thailand has pledged the free use of 500 pieces of its patented software to individuals and groups working on open-source software in Thailand. Its intention is to give software developers the opportunity to use IBM know-how to produce new applications on their own.

Open-source software is any computer program whose source code is published for scrutiny and use by anyone. It made available under a license agreement that permits recipients to copy, modify and distribute the program’s source code without payment of fees or royalties.

The IBM offer was made as part of the tech giant’s involvement in InnovAsia 2005 – the first Asia-Pacific conference and exhibition on innovation management. IBM Thailand is one of the main partners of the event, along with Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) and the National Innovation Agency.

The event will be held from September 21 to 23 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Suphajee Suthumpun, managing director of IBM Thailand, said that to encourage more developers to take advantage of the patented software, IBM has also teamed up with the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre, Software Park, the Software Industry Promotion Agency, the Association of Thai Computer Industry, the Association of Thai Software Industry, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang and Embedded System Lab.

Individuals or companies interested in the programme can apply for free use of the patented software through agencies associated with the company. Developers that can successfully develop new software on top of the IBM code will also get full support from the company when it comes to marketing the products.

Suphajee said that IBM Corp each year spends about US$4 billion (Bt164 billion) to $5 billion on research and development. Last year alone, the company registered more than 3,000 patents.

The software on offer includes those in the area of interfacing, storage management, human-language processing, compression, encryption and access control, image processing and video technology.

Science Minister Korn Thapparansi said that innovation is a crucial platform to bring success to the country while intellectual property, counted by the number of registered patents, is a national asset that indicates success when it comes to competition in the world market. “I would like to challenge software developers to take this opportunity. With 500 free software patents, we would like to see how you are going to expand development and increase its value,” he said.

Supachai Lorlowhakarn, director of the NIA, said the agency would subsidise the cost of investment for individuals and companies. It is set to support each project with about Bt5 million.

He said the theme of InnovAsia 2005 would be to emphasise Asia’s bright outlook and the structural changes which are needed to realise its potential.

The conference will become a stage where policy-makers, regulators, academics, investors and others in the private and public sectors can exchange views, form strategies, and define the role that innovation management can play in increasing national competitiveness.

InnovAsia 2005 will also act as a forum to facilitate the establishment of bilateral partnerships – for example, government-to-government and government-to-private sector – for cooperation in innovation development and management.

Suchalee Ponprasert

The Nation

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