The IOSN is a centre of excellence for free/open source software (FOSS) run by the UNDP Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme (APDIP), which hosts a community operated portal at www.iosn.net. This case study examines the technical and social dimensions of this portal, which will provide guidelines for individuals and communities who wish to imitate the model and practices in building a portal and networks, and organizing knowledge for their programmes and projects.