Global dialogue requires digital literacy. At the Kaospilot University we strive to continuously explore and develop low-cost, sustainable and eco- friendly ICT solutions. We do all this by using Free software, open standards, bare-bones interface designs (i.e. avoiding eye candy), backup systems using minimal energy, and a cloud/desktop architecture designed to train users in reducing wasteful behaviours. Why burn coal to send large files around the world when the person you wish to give them to is right next to you? Local exchange e.g. on memory stick might work better.
We use consumer-grade DSL lines for internet access. Our services are mostly hosted locally on consumer-grade, low-power hardware. This saves energy and money, and challenges us all to be efficient.
Our system is designed to avoid enslaving the organization through custom design: While relatively complex as a whole, it uses only generic parts from Debian - the worlds largest distribution of Free software. Any sufficiantly capable systems administrator should be able to maintain our system as-is.
We also strive towards transparency and replicability: Ideally - albeit not yet fully implemented - any technician should be able to completely replicate our Homebase (but obviously only structure and functionality - not private data in it).
We contribute back to the Free Software movement: A sysadmin of ours is an official Debian Developer and engaged in Skolelinux and Sugar, channeling to those communities the experiences from developing and maintaining Homebase.
To the chagrin of our sysadmins, Kaospilots also engage with larger mainstream and consumer oriented spaces to other golden nuggets of the internet. We are present there for practical purposes, and encourage ongoing and active debate as to the costs and benefits in doing so. Also check out our bloggers at Planet Homebase.
If you wish to learn more about our platform, challenges and solutions, check out our teknik planet [link].