Hundreds of technology enthusiasts from around the world will attend a week-long open source software conference that began in Wellington today.

More than 700 delegates are expected to attend the Linux conference, which will discuss the future and viability of open source software and its implications for governments and businesses.

The conference is one of the largest in the world held on the subject and has been running for 11 years. Usually the conference is held in Australia, this is the second time New Zealand has hosted the event.