Topic: SME Management and Future

[ReetP]

Hi,

I have finally finished writing some notes on the potential management and future of SME.

They can be read here (sorry about the awful formatting - it's not my forté) :

http://wiki.contribs.org/The_future_of_SME_Server

This is an open document for discussion, not specifically a plan in itself. I have outlined ideas proposed in general as I have heard them and noted some of the current 'happenings'.

If the thinking meets with general consensus then we can refine things as we go. But nothing is 'in' right now, and nothing is 'out' either.

It is the time for the community to decide its future, if it wants one....

There is a Google Docs version that I hope Greg will publish shortly - I'll post a link if I can.

Regarding leadership, I am quite happy to lead the project as it stands at the minute, if people are prepared to support that. I have a thick skin.

If anyone else would like the job then I am happy to stand aside.

I'd be grateful if people could comment on this accordingly, or any other candidates for this job (or any other job) please make themselves known to the community.

One way or another, the project needs to be driven forward, and that needs someone to hold the whip !

I have no crystal ball, smoke, mirrors or lights. But there are some brilliant people out there that I have got to know better recently, and barring a few language difficulties, I believe that this project can go forward from here with the support of everyone.

Right, I've done my bit for now. The rest is up to you lot !

B. Rgds
John aka reetp

Please note that the OFFICIAL channel for discussions on this is the discussions mailing list which you can easily join here :

http://lists.contribs.org/mailman/listinfo/

You can also get us on IRC at freenode #SME_Server http://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=SME_server&uio=Mj10cnVlJjk9dHJ1ZSYxMT03Mg13

It's YOUR distro. There is a job for everyone, so come and join in !

[stephdl]

I'm very happy to have  a chief for the future of sme....maybe we were waiting you.

go ahead you are doing a good job.

When the sme9 will be here, it will be the time to discuss and to make elections.

[hawk]

WOW i have been following this development with great interest. This is wonderful news. How can i help? wow i don't have the skills as the people involved, but i want to help. I like the idea of marketing SME, so i am going to setup a web site where i can market SME here in South Africa. I have been using SME for years but mainly for NGO's and schools etc. If i can market SME locally then I will charge for the software and installation labor. I will market myself as a SME installer and in turn will send money back. My questions are:
what would be a fair price?
How do i charge, per installation, per download, per month etc?
What are other people charging?
Any ideas of other ways i can help just let me know.

SME rocks

[ReetP]

WOW i have been following this development with great interest. This is wonderful news. How can i help? wow i don't have the skills as the people involved, but i want to help.

Hi and welcome aboard

First thing is to get yourself organised !

1. Subscribe to the mailing lists so you can keep abreast of developments.

2. Get a wiki account so you can edit/comment on pages

3. Get a bug account so you can add bugs if needs be

4. Have a chat on IRC

Add your name to the document in whatever area you feel you could help. If you email me we can contact you accordingly and get you involved.

I like the idea of marketing SME, so i am going to setup a web site where i can market SME here in South Africa. I have been using SME for years but mainly for NGO's and schools etc. If i can market SME locally then I will charge for the software and installation labor. I will market myself as a SME installer and in turn will send money back. My questions are:
what would be a fair price?
How do i charge, per installation, per download, per month etc?
What are other people charging?
Any ideas of other ways i can help just let me know.

$64 million dollar question - perhaps others can advise on this ???

SME rocks

Indeed it does !!!!

B. Rgds
John

[idp_qbn]

Hawk - I don't think you can charge for the software (SME and the contribs are free) but you can charge for your services.

I have no idea what costs/charges are in South Africa but here in Sydney (Australia) a washing machine mechanic charges $60 to come to the door and $50 per hour (minimum 1 hour). That might give you an idea......

Cheers
Ian