A very good idea. Many people wanting to switch to linux complain unavailability of AutoCAD clone. QCAD is one that is compatible with a little different extension available on AutoCAD that I used. Same way you make .doc files in open office but not MS Office 2007 .docx files.
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=228890 many links to various AutoCAD options.
But still nothing directly useful as Open Office. Many CAD like tools have been developed in various countries, we can think of one for India as well.
You could follow the Chromium OS model followed by Google, Start off with basic code, Host a GIT repository and put the basic code developed on it for others to work on. Search for GIT and research the Google Chromium OS model.
Its definitely possible and would be encouraged by every civil and mechanical engineer.
Not sure about training part though. Another issue would be that when you make it open source, it shall be difficult to keep it to Mumbai/India and there might be legal actions if used abroad.
2009/12/3 (रेवंत) Revant Nandgaonkar revant.one@gmail.com
I want to know the functioning and management of a open source software development. Is it possible to host, sponsor and co-ordinate software development project?
The idea is to invite part of industry to contribute to this development.
Case: AutoCAD - its core tool for civil engineering consultancy firms and their industry. Legal deployment costs a lot. i.e Hardware+Windows+Security+basic utilities+ACAD There is cost for upgrades, every 5 years. Software companies expect upgrades in 2 years. India is becoming IT leader and Software Legal issues are showing up
Is it feasible to setup an organization for developing usable open CAD for Mumbai/India based civil engineers? and provide training for the use of CAD
While discussing FOSS alternatives I raised this possibility and certain civil engineers/CAD users are interested, Civil engineering Associations are approachable.
Revant