CHENNAI: The Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) unit of the Jaya Engineering College has developed a universal dialler that can be downloaded and installed for different Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

The unit worked with the National Resource Centre for FOSS and the Indian Linux User Group to develop the dialler.

The college's FOSS unit coordinators note that different ISPs such as BSNL, VSNL or Reliance have their own diallers, but each of them was unique. Hence, the users can use only one of them at a time.

The universal dialler can be used across all ISP users, says M. Kumaran, coordinator and head of the Computer Science department at JCE.

The product has been tested in lab conditions and may be released in May first week. The National Resource Centre and the Linux User Group validated the working of the software product, he says, adding that nearly 85 per cent has been developed using open source tools — Linux, PHP Python, Apache Web Server and My SQL Database tool. The FOSS unit will soon unveil a farm resource and information portal. Mr. Kumaran notes it would have information relevant for farmers, including product and raw material input costs, prices of commodities.

"We plan to have an e-commerce arm in the portal and a call centre that can provide online support to farmers in terms of prices, product information and market support information," he says adding that the portal will go online in May.

Open source software

Mr. Kumaran and the team from Jaya Engineering College explained the products at an inter-college seminar on open source software.

College Chairman Prof A. Kanagaraj said the management was prepared to support all activities that would enrich the learning process of students.

"We are ready to go the extra mile to help you become competitive, but in return we expect the students to come up with more sterling performances... ," he added.

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