The GNOME Foundation is committed to making simple, free, open-source, GPL-licensed desktop software. In open-source circles, Stormy Peters has been a little embarrassed to be caught booting up Windows to go on-line, yet sometimes the commercial solution saves some hassle. Meaning, there is still some distance to cover in achieving the GNOME Foundation ideals. In this presentation, she calls for more development of free and simple alternatives in the area of web services.

Peters asks would-be contributors to the project to examine where there are gaps in which users may be going out on a limb for free on-line services currently: Do you use an on-line email client? What would happen if you were temporarily or permanently shut out? Do you have alternate means of access? Do you back your on-line data up to a server within your control? Do you fully understand the "Data Rights" section of the licensing agreement of important on-line services you use?

In the dawning age of cloud computing, this is a reminder to take stock of how you provision your software, where all your data is stored, and who has rights to its use. Beyond that, be aware of the advantages of free, open-source, and unencumbered software offerings, and help, if you can. Peters also announces GNOME's endorsement of Identi.ca for microblogging and GNOME's own Tomboy Online note-taking software.