"Applications is invited for the fourth batch of CATFOSS.

For more details click here"

Centre for Advanced Training in Free and Open Source Software (CATFOSS)

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) has inherent advantages like easy adaptation, customisation, flexibility and inter-operabality besides being cost-friendly. Owing to these, the Kerala Government has advocated the use of FOSS in Government organisations. The IT Policy 2007 has also announced special incentives for companies developing FOSS. Understanding the criticality of trained personnel in promoting FOSS on a wider-scale, KSITM set up the Centre for Advanced Training in Free and Open Source Software (CATFOSS), in association with Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT) at ITeS Habitat, Ernakulam in 2008.

Policy decisions pertaining to CATFOSS are taken by a Governing Council headed by Director, KSITM as Chairman and Registrar, C-DIT as the Convenor. The Governing Council is supported by an Academic Committee comprising of computer experts from all over the country.

A first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the aim of CATFOSS, which is designed as a Finishing School, is to propagate Open Source technology and provide optimal cost solutions for developing software tools and making available trained human resource that caters to the needs of the IT industry.

The CATFOSS is a spacious centrally air-conditioned furnished facility with a built-up area of 1136 sq.ft. A classroom cum computer lab with one-to-one computers has been set up to facilitate simultaneous theory sessions and hands-on practice. The Centre also has a seminar hall, in which students are asked to present on various subject-related areas. Of the five modules, the final fifth module is allocated for project work. The curriculum also gives good emphasis to developing the soft skills of the students as the industry now demands human resources with holistic skills which includes technical, business and soft skills. The duration of the programme is six months. Upon successful completion, the students are provided placement support. A certificate issued by CATFOSS is also given to the students upon successful course completion.

The student intake in each batch is restricted to 20 to give students maximum attention and training, which is provided by subject experts. The training for the first batch of 20 students is complete and the second batch started. All the students in the first batch have been respectably placed. Selection of students is through an online test. 25 per cent of the total strength is earmarked for students outside Kerala.

Training Programme on FOSS Web Deployment Engineer (FWDE) in association with NRCFOSS at CATFOSS, Kochi from 19th to 30th April 2010

For more details, visit : www.catfoss.kerala.gov.in