Bringing open source to Central American small businesses
An example of someone on the ground using open-source software to shrink the gap.
In December 2007, Coto Solutions launched a pilot project with Servicio Serigraphia en Chirqui (SSCH) in David, Panama, to see how technology might affect a typical Latin American small business. Four old donated laptops, open-source software, and a low-cost server were used to computerize its operation. The project’s main objective was to create an affordable computer network with a measurable bottom line impact that could readily be replicated at other their small businesses.
Four laptops, 6 to 8 years old, were donated by Lasell College in Newton, Massachusetts. They were ideal for this project because of their portability and battery to address regular power outages that plague Latin American countries. The laptops were given wireless connectivity by purchasing inexpensive USB WiFi cards. With the help of Coto Solutions, SSCH was also able to buy a basic HP Pavilion Server to host data and applications.
