[ObjectWeb Consortium] -> [Membership Benefits]

Membership Benefits

Why Become a Member ?

As open-source software, all the components and tools produced by ObjectWeb may be used free of charge and their source code is publicly disclosed (according to the LGPL unless otherwise stated). Everybody can try and use any piece of software that fit their needs and even contribute to the development process. We strongly invite you to help yourself to our code base and packaged solutions. If you do so, feel free to send us feedback and let us know about your needs and projects.

However, if you are serious about middleware, you should consider going a step further and becoming a member of the ObjectWeb consortium. You'll find below some hints about the benefits you will get.

Individual Member Benefits

This membership is open to any individual - and is free.

As an Individual Member, you will :

• Be welcome to the quarterly meetings of the College of Architects. This is a great way to learn about the internals of middleware in general, and of ObjectWeb components in particular.

• Get special conditions for having access to the annual ObjectWeb conference. This annual gathering is the best place to meet other users of the ObjectWeb solutions and share experiences. Technical sessions are organized to present the undergoing developments.

• Be represented at the Board of Directors. Each year, the Individual Members elect their representative, to sit at the Board meetings. All Individual Members can stand in for this position.

• Obtain feedback about the consortium operations. A monthly newsletter and a mailing list will keep you updated on the hottest developments. You'll have access to the Member's only section of MyObjectWeb and to live online statistics about the projects activity.

Corporate Member Benefits

This membership is targeted to all legal entities, such as corporations, companies, associations, universities. Each Corporate member is represented by an individual that may, or may not, be a member.

As a Corporate Member, you will :

• Attend the quartely meetings of the College of Architects. Corporate members are entitled to send their representative to these events. This is a valuable opportunity to share your views and expectations with all the project leaders.

• Take a part in the annual ObjectWeb Conference. Upon request, Corporate Members will be granted a slot at the annual ObjectWeb conference.

• Get access to a co-branding marketing pack. ObjectWeb provides template material, gizmos (T-shirts, stickers, etc) at production cost and access to the members database (legal restrictions apply). Of course, your site will be cross-linked to ObjectWeb's.

• Benefit from ObjectWeb's proactive communication. The consortium communicates about its members success stories and gives them opportunities for joint press-releases, presence at tradeshows and conferences, insertions of company profile on project data sheets, ...

• Get feedback about the consortium operations. A monthly newsletter and a mailing list will keep you updated on the hottest developments. You'll have access to the Member's only section of MyObjectWeb and to live online statistics about the projects activity.

• Contribute to the leadership of ObjectWeb. Each year, the Corporate Members elect 6 persons over a total of 12 Directors, to sit at the Board meetings. All representatives of the Corporate Members can candidate.

Benefactor Member Benefits

Benefactors are regular members that volunteered to provide extra support the consortium with a donation or an outstanding contribution to the base code accepted by the College of Architects. Donations can be given on joining. To propose a contribution to the code base, please get in touch with us.

In addition to all other member's benefits, as a Benefactor Member, you will :

• Foster the development of middleware according to your vision and strategy. Donating code or resources is the most straightforward way of helping the community work to develop better middleware.

• Gain outstanding visibility as a proactive supporter of middleware development. Benefactors are extensively mentioned in ObjectWeb communications.