Branded as a 'roaming' conference, and organised by Linux user groups throughout Australia, this year's conference has managed to attract some significant corporate sponsors including IBM, CommSecure and Sun Microsystems.
With online registrations opening this week conference spokesperson Bernard Blackham expects roughly 300 delegates to attend, from Australia and the surrounding region.
"Holding the event in Perth really opens it up to South East Asia," said Blackham. "There is a definite increase in interest from government and corporate sectors, and we are encouraging delegates to come along to look and learn more about what is happening with Linux in those sectors."
While Blackham warns that the conference will be fairly technical, he points out that the conference is designed to cater to professional Linux users, as well as hobbiests and students.
"There are three different levels of registration, it is more aimed towards people with technical skills in Linux so they can have a look at recent developments in the area, and network with other developers and organisations which work with Linux," Blackham said.
Having received over 100 papers from all over the world, conference organisers have yet to confirm the agenda, although Linux-guru Alan Cox is expected to make the trip from the UK to speak at the event.
"We've expect to have a fair range of speakers from Australia and around the world," Blackham said. "We expect a wide range of issues to be covered at the event, there have been a lot of submissions regarding security, and other issues such as education."
The conference will take place from Wednesday 22nd to Saturday 25th January 2003, and is timed to coincide with Australia Day celebrations on the Sunday 26th.
"The conference formalities will conclude on the Saturday, so delegates are free to enjoy the Australia Day celebrations and fireworks over the weekend, and take a little time to explore Perth," Blackham said.
