Did you know that February is technology month; who knew?

The month contains many days dedicated to technology, including:

• Change Your Password Day,
• National Clean Out Your Computer Day,
• Safer Internet Day,
• Innovation Day,
• And Digital Learning Day.

February is also nationally observed as Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) Month!

As we make our way into February, PromoStandards Chair Eric Alessi felt it was only appropriate to recognize the significance FOSS Month holds for PromoStandards and our technology-driven world.

February & Open-Source Software

Starting in 2017, the National Day Calendar has recognized February as FOSS Month to recognize the cooperative approach to computer programming, open licensing, and free distribution of software. Now, that’s something to get excited about!

Free and Open-Source Software provides publicly available code for users and contributors, allowing users to alter the code, such as:

• Improving the design,
• Fixing glitches,
• And adding other beneficial features.

The collaborative development of varying independent sources has proven to be much more effective than any single company in creating and sustaining a diverse range of design perspectives.

Open-Source Software is more important than many people realize.

Open-Software Solutions do not have borders. They significantly improve the world as they are significant resources for global institutions like:

• Government administrations,
• Universities,
• Companies,
• And many other major organizations.

FOSS & Promo Technology

The FOSS benefits are undeniable for many and highly relevant to the PromoStandards mission:

“To leverage the Open-Source Initiative so we can provide the fundamental processes, protocols, and education necessary to make custom product industries more efficient.”

For information on the Open-Source Initiative, please visit https://opensource.org/.

Continuing A Tradition

February has always been a special month for PromoStandards.

In our early days, our founders met every February in Tampa. The purpose of this annual trip was to collaborate in person to develop the standards—the respite from the frigid February winter up North was also enjoyable.

This year, we are continuing that tradition. We are genuinely excited to have the time to reconnect as experts in custom products industries and passionate providers of accessible computer programming standards.

The PromoStandards Tech Summit

PromoStandards has been busy innovating, and we have a lot to announce as we embrace February as our very own Promo Technology Month.

As we continue to empower the industry through Open-Source Software, we are also hosting our PromoStandards Tech Summit from February 19 to February 21 in Tampa!

It may be wintertime and cold for most of North America, but as far as promo technology goes, it’s hot.

Here’s to the PromoStandards Tech Summit and Promo Technology Month!