Community Open Software Solutions Network (CossNet) is a not-for-profit open software promotion organization founded in October 2008 by a group of Ugandan open software and ICT4D enthusiasts.

 

The members of the network work to popularise open source software on the desktop as a viable alternative to commercial software applications especially for normal non-server functions in everyday desktop productivity computing.

 

The network is primarily engaged in promotion and awareness raising on open source software in educational institutions, small and micro-enterprises, civil society and community organisations. It provides practical solutions to users, research, testing, customisation and user support for applicable software packages for common purposes. The Network aids in the integration of open software into the use and development of open technologies as a whole.

 

CossNet though established to deal primarily with Open Source Software, generally promotes the notion that access to appropriate ICT solutions is a basic necessity in integral national development and a key means to the achievement of global ideals like the Millennium Development Goals and other global development goals.

 

The network proides a platform to promote open software as a key viable alternative in bringing ICT to the community and generally in bridging the digital divide.

 

CossNet is buliding a local software repository and knowledge bank for Uganda and Eastern Africa as a region, and a local network of OSS users and support.