Does Open Source have a part to play in the future? At linux.conf.au 2017, software architect and open source strategist, Robert “r0ml” Lefkowitz will reflect on how to continue the democratisation of software even as Linux and Open Source software have become ubiquitous.

We’re pleased to welcome r0ml to present a keynote at linux.conf.au 2017, to be held from Monday 16 January until Friday 20 January at the Wrest Point Convention Centre in Hobart, Tasmania. Tickets for linux.conf.au 2017 are available now, and you can find more details about our ticket options at /attend

In his keynote, Keeping Linux Great, r0ml will help us to consider the role of Free Software in a technological landscape that has changed substantially in the years since Linux was first released:

The underlying motivation for Linux and Free Software was (and is) to democratise software – making it more accessible to all. This goal has been especially successful for developers, with Open Source tools becoming a key part of development of even proprietary software.

Is this the limit of the democratisation that Free Software can achieve? What new strategies can be developed to continue the democratisation of software and keep Linux great?

We’re looking forward finding out how r0ml can help us answer these questions.

Robert "r0ml" Lefkowitz is the Chief Architect at Warby Parker, a US-based technology-enabled lifestyle brand. In 2015, Fast Company named Warby Parker the most innovative company in the world. Prior to Warby Parker, he worked mostly in the financial and telecommunications industries, acting as Chief Architect at AT&T Wireless and Vice President of Data Services at Asurion and Morgan Stanley. In 2006 he was named a Distinguished Engineer of the ACM.

At one of his first seven jobs, r0ml was the Public Software Librarian for a timesharing company – seven years before the GNU manifesto. In 2000, he became the first person at Merrill Lynch to install Linux, and as a result, his computer was confiscated by the IT department. In response, he became the Director of Open Source Strategy for Merrill Lynch, and secured the email address r@ml.com – he regrets the loss of that address.

r0ml (who can be found on Twitter as @r0ml) is an enthusiastic, albeit not very accomplished, fencer and juggler, and enjoys studying obscure programming languages. He grew up in Brazil, with a French mother and Chinese father of Russian ancestry. He would love to say something about his wife, Gina, and their seven children, but space does not permit.

You can find more information about r0ml's keynote in our conference programme.