LDP nodes spreading to new cities

The buzz LDP has created in Tampere has inspired MeeGo/Qt users in other cities to contact LDP managers to establish new LDP nodes in Helsinki, Oulu and possibly Lahti too. Helsinki node will be hosted by Helsinki Institute for Information Technology (HIIT). Lahti is still going through some thinking. Oulu is planning to get a fresh start by creating LDP while regrouping local network. This kind of activity from community is awesome! Those who are unfamiliar with LDP, check out previous LDP related blog entries here.

Why Local Device Program prospers?

This community-driven activity demonstrates the need for devices! Developers need to access devices fast and that is made possible in LDP by keeping bureaucracy as minimal as possible. Another reason for LDP success is the transparency. LDP is fully open; all device loan applications (open, closed, rejected) are visible to all (some only to portal members, but anyone can register), available devices and their status are visible to all and the same applies to projects in which devices are used. Furthermore, selection criteria and management process are also available from the same web address. In brief, the keywords are transparency and openness. These two items are the most important factors for successful community. Transparency was discussed with examples above, but what about openness? Openness refers to open attitude towards new ideas and members.

All new LDP nodes will be located and managed in the same virtual place as Tampere LDP node. MeeGo Network Finland portal has separate section for LDP under ‘Activity’. Device loan management is build in Drupal installation. Intention is to make it a module, that can be easily installed to other Drupal instances. Sadly, it is still very far from it.

Need more devices

Future LDP nodes in Finland?

Establishing new LDP nodes has consequences. We need more devices! I must admit that I was amazed and thankful that we received 5 N950′s when we started piloting LPD at Tampere just about a month ago. But those devices (and some N900′s) are already in circulation, used by 9 projects (8.8.2011)! We have two choices or actually three.

First one involves distributing existing devices to all locations. That would mean only 1-2 devices (N950) to each city. Second option is to get some more devices from MeeGo project Community Device Program. That can be possible only if we can convince CDP manager(s) that LDPs are worth supporting. That can be done by creating something visible such as new apps. Third option is to get funding from sponsors and buy devices. Buying is not an option for N950s’, since those are not sold.

Starting LDP node

If you wish to start LDP in some city in Finland, here’s what should be done.

1. Find a location (organisation/place) where you can storage LDP devices securily.
2. Find another person interested about acting as LDP local manager. Two managers is ideal, but you can cope with one.
3. Get devices! MeeGo Network Finland can possibly assist in getting devices, but that may take time. Quicker way is to get your hands on devices your self.
4. Once you have done all the above (or at least steps 1 and 2), contact MNFI LDP managers. They are listed here.
5. Start your LDP node!

Content is available under 2011, Jarkko Moilanen. CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Related posts:

1. Restart Oulu MeeGo Network with LDP
2. Hello World! (or community)
3. LDP – connecting devices, developers and projects
4. Champions and Devices
5. Stepping down