The 3rd HAVELSAN Technology Talks focused this time on open source software.
Hosted by BTK, the program was attended by Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, President of the Information Technologies and Communication Authority, HAVELSAN General Manager Ahmet Hamdi Atalay, and numerous sector representatives.
In his opening speech at the program, Deputy Minister Sayan stated that software is an important component of the smart devices and systems that regulate all aspects of life on the path to the information society in the "3rd Technology Talks." Noting that the use of open source is of critical importance not only for savings and security but also for its contribution to the economy, Sayan expressed that Turkey must produce its own technology to reduce its dependence on foreign companies, and that this is even better understood during critical periods.
Drawing attention to the fact that imported software cannot be trusted in terms of data security, Sayan emphasized the need for Turkey's data to remain in Turkey with the words: "Information sent abroad never returns. Others come and protect it on your behalf. In that case, you can never be sure of the security of something you cannot protect. That's why, as the Ministry, while conducting our work, we plan and progress by considering both the path we have covered, how secure we are on this path, and the target we will reach. At this point, we all need to demonstrate together that we are in a position to contribute using technology and information."
Deputy Minister Sayan: Open Source Software is the Most Effective Option for Turkey's Development
Underlining that open source software will be the most effective option for Turkey's production and development, Sayan stated: "Our Ministry has initiated work on the open source platform. Insha'Allah, these efforts will be completed in a short time. We all support this platform in this regard, and we know that it is important to establish the platform instead of individual software. These software, which have become a phenomenon, provide users with the freedom to modify the software. Open source code software, being free, adaptable, robust, fast, and secure, facilitates ongoing work."
BTK President Karagözoğlu: Open Source Software Will Open Doors to Competition
BTK President Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu also noted that the expanding areas of use for open source software will pave the way for competition that will increase production through positive momentum in the sector.
Explaining that the domestic software Pardus contributes to the core operations of project systems developed with open source, Karagözoğlu said: "As BTK, we use software named Avcı, Azad, and Kasırga, developed entirely with domestic and national resources, to detect cyber attacks and vulnerabilities and to relay these detections to other relevant institutions. I believe their numbers will increase day by day through the efforts of all sector stakeholders. I am certain that especially our young people interested in this field will achieve great successes and carry us to a bright future in domestic and national production.”
Karagözoğlu emphasized that open source software has a significant impact in shaping the country's future.