About scubuntu

The National R&D Strategy stresses the importance of investing in ICT to foster local development and globalisation. It specifically mentions Open Source Software (OSS) as an area where investment is desired. In line with this strategy and as an exercise in user empowerment, the DST and CSIR are migrating to Ubuntu Linux. These migrations have highlighted a strong need for an open source scientific computing platform based on Ubuntu. Existing initiatives fall short of fulfilling this need.

The aim of the project is to develop an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution (scubuntu), for use by scientists, to enable scientific computing on Linux. The distribution will be a true Ubuntu sub-project with all work released as OSS. scubuntu differs from the standard Ubuntu desktop in that it will support scientists by providing applications to assist them in conducting research.

The objectives of the project are to: continue the development of the existing research and development capabilities within Meraka; raise the profile of team members; establish the CSIR as a leader in the development of open source scientific computing platforms; enable scientific computing on Ubuntu and promote the adoption of scubuntu; and certify Ubuntu as a supported platform for proprietary and commercial scientific applications.

A normal iterative software development methodology will be followed, and will be supplemented with an OSS approach of early and frequent releases and collaborative, open development. The main components of the project are: resourcing, planning and requirements gathering; positioning, OSS community building and collaboration; packaging of scientific applications for Ubuntu; developing the pilot and full distributions; and enhancement of scientific applications; training of team members and CSIR researchers on the packaged material.

The project will generate new knowledge in methodologies for and leadership of large, community-driven OSS projects, in discovering trends in scientific software usage, in evaluating the suitability of Linux as a computing platform for scientists, and in categorising researchers and the software they use based on their computing needs. A significant outcome of this project will be the broader appeal of Ubuntu as a computing platform for scientists. By adopting scubuntu, researchers will benefit from the use of open source software, by gaining the freedom and empowerment to use and customise the software as they see fit.

This project strategically supports the ICT R&D and Innovation programme through a strong focus on HCD (development of advanced Linux, OSS and development skills), by promoting local ICT innovation through fostering South African OSS development and globalisation, by lowering the technological barriers-to-entry and empowering researchers in poorly funded institutions and developing countries, and by establishing global R&D collaboration by growing global user and contributor communities around scubuntu.

A major component of the project involves global collaboration. Formal and informal collaboration agreements will be put in place with local and international research organisations. Possible collaborators include: University of Pretoria, UNISA, Telematika Institute and other HEIs; SurfNet, South African and international science councils, e.g. MRC, CSIRO Australia, CSIR India; Other international organisations, e.g. Metalab UK; and NEPAD.

In addition, active user and developer communities will be developed around the OSS scubuntu project.