- Fsf-friends - lists.fsci.in

Links from the Gulf... an interesting story (long)
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 18 Jun '03

18 Jun '03

Looks like Microsoft is doing its bit to promote Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) in the more affluent parts of the globe, like the Gulf. Some background of an interesting case. Interesting, many of the key players in the Gulf FLOSS movement seem to be expat Indians, at least going by the active posters on this list. FN PS: As typical, the newspaper report has mixed up Free Software with "freeware". >From Linux-middleeast(a)yahoogroups.com Wed Jun 18 21:50:07 2003 --------------------------------------------------------------------- To subscribe send an email to: Linux-middleeast-subscribe(a)yahoogroups.com ================================================ Linux Movement in the Middle East is sponsored by GoldenSun Internet Consulting & Research, Phone :971-4-2728310 /Fax:971-4-2728320 http://www.uaelug.org Moderator GSC Prabhakar James - Linux User Group -Founded 1999. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Message: 1 Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2003 04:46:30 -0000 From: "prabhags" <prabhags(a)goldensun.com> Subject: Re: Business Software Alliance's faxes to Companies Dear Montuewed, Sorry for the late response. I expected other members would write about BSA 's faxes to companies.BSA is a watchdog for Microsoft and dozen other Propreitary companies. It is not a government organisation. But they think they are government and misrepresent to the companies like that. BSA was founded primarily by Microsoft and they operate from Microsoft office in Dubai. You need not give any information to BSA about the software in your company. They have no authorisation. But they can inform people about legalising the proprietary software and educating about anti-piracy on behalf of their sponsors. Anyway I have taken the arrogant faxes sent by BSA to companies in the UAE very seriously and warned BSA not to send any annoying faxes to Companies asking for Private software details in the guise of Software Audit and passing the information to BSA members. I am forwarding the copies of my letters to BSA and other information to the LUG members. We as Linux Users, who advocate and use Open Source should fight this type of dubious data collection by BSA who threaten companies indirectly to use their proprietary software. regards, Prabhakar --- In Linux-middleeast(a)yahoogroups.com, "Montuewed T.F.S" <montuewed@e...> wrote: > Hello, > > Many companies received faxes from BSA asking the companies to furnish > details about the software they have in their company ? They have given > deadline to submit information about the software with the copies of > licences and invoices to be sent to them. They have also attached > newpapers cuttings of people arrested for piracy and warning the > companies. > > My question is What is the role of BSA ? Is it a government company ? Do > we have to give information on the software we have in our companies ? > Where BSA office is located ? How to answer to BSA faxes? Cannot we use a > computer without any Microsoft software ? > > T.F.S.Montuewed ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Message: 2 Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 21:52:07 -0700 (PDT) From: John Joseph <jjk_saji(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Re: Business Software Alliance's faxes to Companies Dear Prabhakar Thanks for the information , even I thought it is a govt body , actually they are propagating open source in an indirect way. Bulling others and indirectly forcing them to look for alternative OS and application Thanks Joseph John _______________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Message: 3 Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2003 08:55:29 +0400 From: "GSC Prabhakar $R$" <prabhags(a)goldensun.com> Subject: OOT -Copy of the FAX sent to BSA for their Hello Friends, Following is the copy of the Fax which I sent to BSA . Regards, Prabhakar COPY of the FAX sent to BSA Chairman. ==================================== 6th May 2003 Mr. Jawad Al Redha Chairman Phone : 8004828 Business Software Alliance Fax: 04-3811948 Post Box 9275 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dear Mr. Jawad, I happened to see your faxes signed by you sent to our organization asking for details of software installed at our company and also informing that your records (?) currently do not show that our company as having purchased any software ( in all these years of our operation?!) . We would be glad to respond and enlighten BSA on various methods and alternatives available to curb software issues and initiate best alternative solutions available to all the software users in the middle east. Before we respond to your queries please fax the following information to 04-2728320 1. Your trading license and list of personnel involved in the software data collection. 2. Copy of the authorization letter obtained from the appropriate government ministry to collect this data from companies. 3. We know that BSA is working with Microsoft, functioning from Microsoft premises, Dubai, I would like to know whether your people have verified before sending the fax about the details about our company from your co-tenant Microsoft regarding the Software licenses obtained for our company ? It seems that proper data was not verified before sending faxes, signed by you. Unfortunately they have not even verified whom to send the fax. 4. I have a question, If we have more licenses but less number of computers which would use the software can you help us get the refund for the unutilized part of the licenses from Microsoft and other BSA members? 5. May we also know your Computer configuration, network security setup, Anti-virus software , other productivity and database software which you use , so we can get enlightened on the various software available for productive use. By the way can we get your phone number ( not the anonymous voice mail 8004828 number ), so we can call and get your advice or various matters ? 6. I appreciate your assistance for managing our valuable software licenses. As a matter of reciprocating your kindness we are glad to offer FREE awareness programs by Educating and Training BSA personnel and also to the companies which you recommend in HOW TO ACHIEVE ZERO PIRACY IN COMPUTERS. This would greatly help fighting Software Piracy. Please let us know when we can schedule this FREE awareness program. 7. I am glad to invite you and your friends to my office to have a cup of tea with us and know about us. We are with you in fighting Software Piracy though we use another effective method, which I would like to share with you soon. Regards, GSC Prabhakar Chief Executive Officer GoldenSun Internet Consulting & Research ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/News.asp?ArticleID=90419 ============================================================= Anti-piracy watchdog prod irks free software promoters - GULF NEWS 17th June 2003 Dubai | By Jay B. Hilotin | 17/06/2003 Proponents of freeware and Open Source in the UAE have been incensed by repeated warnings and veiled threats of raids from the Business Software Alliance (BSA), a global software anti-piracy watchdog funded by giants such as Microsoft. Open Source, a consortium composed of software publishers that promote zero piracy through 'freeware' and full access to application source codes, offers alternatives to what they call 'proprietary' programmes for which companies and individual users must pay to legally use a software. Dr G.S.C. Prabhakar James, CEO of GoldenSun Internet Consulting and Research, refused to submit an inventory of software used in his company to the BSA, saying that the alliance has no authority to demand private corporate information. "We're not questioning the anti-piracy drive. We are for the protection of intellectual property rights. Open Source actually helps to achieve zero piracy by giving the source codes away for the basic applications. "We think BSA's behaviour is arrogant, pestering companies for information on the software they are using. They need to be more polite and professional in their communication to the companies in the UAE. BSA is asking other people to do their homework for them," he told Gulf News. Source codes are the slew of commands that enable software programmers to customise or debug applications according to their requirement. The Open Source community encourages enhancements to be open for further developments. "What is the assurance that when companies submit a list of their software assets, the information won't be misused?" asked Prabhakar, an ex-Microsoft employee who currently considers himself an Open Source proselytiser. "These warning letters are a form of bullying. Even government departments in the UAE don't employ this strong-arm tactics when they ask for specific information from companies. They assure people the information will be used only for a specific purpose. The BSA is not even a government organisation but is trying to act as one." BSA-Middle East on its part said in a letter posted to companies in the UAE that it will not disclose any information concerning software inventory of customers who cooperate with them, except to the concerned members in order for them to offer support, upgrades, and promotional offers. The letter, signed by Jawad Al Redha, the alliance's co-chairman in Middle East, urges companies to fill out a software asset management form, along with newspaper clippings of raids conducted by UAE authorities in conjunction with the alliance. "This is something that we've been doing for many years now," said Al Redha. He maintained that such reminders are part of their regular campaign to curb software piracy. The letter says: "Because our records do not currently show your company as having purchased any software licenses, it could well be that the software in your possession has been installed without appropriate licenses and perhaps even without your knowledge." The form asks for a list of software applications, along with the copies of licenses. BSA also reiterated that for every copy of software being used, companies must purchase a user license. Therefore, a company that has 10 computers must have purchased 10 licenses. The group said that the campaign helps companies that use legal software own an inventory that can assist them in keeping tabs on software assets. It also help them identify upgradation requirements for the system. "The campaigns give users of illegal software a chance to benefit from the discounted rates offered by BSA members, in addition to saving time and money through free audits." Says Prabakhar: "If BSA has proper authorisation, they are welcome to check my software assets anytime." Another Open Source user is unfazed. "The tribe (of Open Source users) is growing," he said, pointing out that Apache, a freeware product developed by the Open Source community, now accounts for over 62 per cent of the market for Internet servers, while Microsoft accounts for 27 per cent. BSA reiterated that the campaign is just a request to customers to show that they are complying with the country's copyright laws. The campaign, which began in April 2003, ran for two months. According to BSA, the compliance rate will only be available after data from the current campaign has been collected. "Even if 99 per cent of the companies send their private data to the BSA, I won't comply with their demand, simply because of one basic principle: they have no right to demand so," said Prabhakar. He pointed out that there are many Open Source users now in the UAE, and he is willing to offer a free course on the subject to the BSA members here. "Even banks and government departments are now starting to migrate to use Open Source applications." C Al Nisr Publishing LLC - Gulf News Online

1 0

NEWS: Patent vote fails Europe's software programmers
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 18 Jun '03

18 Jun '03

Thanks to Lawrence Liang lawrenceliang(a)vsnl.net for routing this. FN http://www.greens-efa.org/en/press/detail.php?id=1445&lg=en Bruxelles/Brussel, 17 June 2003, Patent vote fails Europe's software programmers Unlimited patents will be disastrous for the European software industry and SMEs The Legal Affairs Committee of the European Parliament today adopted a report that allows for the unlimited patenting of software which will, in one swoop, entrench the market dominance of multinational companies, force small software firms out of business and bring to an end the European free software movement. With precise briefing from the Commission - where the bureaucrat responsible is a former employee of the UK patents office, and by the European Patent Office (EPO) - which pockets money on every patent it grants, the rapporteur, British socialist Arlene McCarthy, has defended a confused report that is full of contradictions. In doing this she has a strong backing from Conservatives but fierce criticism from her own political group. UK and German MEPs, in rejecting amendments to the report, have ignored the opinions of the Economic and Social Council, the Industry committee, the Culture committee, 140,000 people and 30 leading software scientists who signed two petitions to the Parliament, as well as the 95% of the European citizens who took part in a European Commission public consultation. The EPO has been illegally granting patents for computer programs for two decades. This practise completely contradicts the Munich convention, which in 1973 established the EPO and decided that computer programs and other rules of organisation and calculation were not patentable inventions under European law. Dany Cohn-Bendit MEP (Greens - Fr) Co-president of the Greens/EFA group and chairman of a conference earlier this year on software patents and SMEs, said: "This patent report is an insult even to the principle of free trade. Pretending to protect inventors and their inventions, it instead allows multinationals to lock up the market." Mercedes Echerer MEP (Greens - A), member of the Culture Committee, said: "It is truly regrettable that some of my colleagues are so confused about the nature of information technology. Ideas and algorithms are already protected under copyright. A computer program, on the other hand, is like a kitchen recipe - all that is needed is a pencil and paper to write it down. Patents already protect technical inventions - there is no reason to extended them to cover software." "This legalisation, as it stands, represents the death of the European software industry, and the death of the free and open-source software industry which, by more than a coincidence, is primarily a European sector. If implemented, it would conclude the transfer of our data-processing control to the US. You can be sure that the report will have a very bumpy ride when it goes to plenary in September with one third of committee members in opposition." Neil McCormick MEP (EFA - Scotland), member of the Legal Affairs and Internal Market Committee, said: "This is a matter of great public concern. It is important to give incentives to inventions, but this does not and should not cover the essentially logical and mathematical work of software development. There is a real danger that legal development of the kind favoured by the majority in the Legal Affairs Committee will hinder innovative development by small firms, not protect it." For further press information: Helmut Weixler Head of Press Office The Greens in the European Parliament Tel: (Bxl) +32 2 2844683 phone: 0032 475 671 340 fax: 0032 2 2844944 mobile phone: 0032-475-67 13 40 hweixler(a)europarl.eu.int THE GREENS/EFA in the European Parliament -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frederick Noronha (FN) | http://www.fredericknoronha.net Freelance Journalist | http://www.bytesforall.org http://goalinks.pitas.com | http://joingoanet.shorturl.com http://linuxinindia.pitas.com | http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks ------------------------------------------------------------------------- T: 0091.832.2409490 or 2409783 M: 0 9822 122436 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

SCO claims IBM Unix contract void
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 17 Jun '03

17 Jun '03

SCO claims IBM Unix contract void By Stephen Shankland Staff Writer, CNET News.com June 16, 2003, 5:02 PM PT update SCO Group on Monday said it revoked IBM's license to sell its version of Unix, called AIX, and requested that a judge permanently block IBM's Unix business. "We have terminated IBM's right to use AIX in their business, development, distribution and sales," said Chris Sontag, head of the SCOsource effort to derive more revenue from the company's Unix intellectual property. And in an amendment to the company's March complaint against IBM, SCO is "seeking a permanent injunction from IBM's continued use of our software in their business." Also in the amended suit, SCO said that it owns the copyrights to Unix and criticized the practices of Linux founder and leader Linus Torvalds. "A significant flaw of Linux is the inability and/or unwillingness of the Linux process manager, Linus Torvalds, to identify the intellectual-property origins of contributed source code that comes in from those many different software developers" who contribute to Linux, the suit said. IBM maintains that it has done nothing wrong, that its license to sell Unix products is still valid, and that its customers need not worry that they no longer have a license to use AIX, said spokesman Mike Fay, vice president of communications for IBM's systems group. "Our Unix license is irrevocable, perpetual and fully paid up. It can't be terminated," Fay said. SCO said that the termination of the AIX license means that all IBM Unix customers also have no license to use the software. "This termination not only applies to new business by IBM, but also existing copies of AIX that are installed at all customer sites. All of it has to be destroyed," Sontag said. Despite the harsh rhetoric, the fact that SCO is seeking a permanent rather than preliminary injunction means that the issue won't be resolved soon and customers need not worry, said Daniel Harris, an intellectual-property attorney with Clifford Chance. "There isn't going to be any practical impact now," Harris said. "Unless they seek a preliminary injunction, there's no (court) order impacting IBM or IBM's customers." IBM sold $3.6 billion worth of Unix servers last year. Among AIX's high-profile customers are Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, for fulfilling its guarantees about the safety and reliability of U.S. nuclear weapons; Colgate-Palmolive, in order to run much of its global accounting and inventory system; and the National Weather Service, for forecasting hurricanes and other weather events. "We have a recognition of the fact that it's not the end users that have caused this problem, it's IBM's actions that have caused this problem. Our preference would be for corrective action on the part of IBM," SCO's Sontag said. "If we need to, we will enforce all our rights, even with IBM's end users." In a statement, IBM said it will stand behind its products and customers, but raised an intellectual-property issue that SCO so far has skirted: patents. "IBM will continue to ship, support and develop AIX, which represents years of IBM innovation, hundreds of millions of dollars of investment and many patents," IBM said. "I think that's a clear signal," said Gray Cary, an attorney at Mark Radcliffe, who said that a company's first response to an intellectual-property infringement lawsuit is a countersuit based on that company's patents. "I think that's code for 'stand by for the hurricane.' You're going to find a stack of patents about 5-feet high that your product infringes that's going to run up the cost of litigation.'" A judge likely wouldn't grant SCO a preliminary injunction, said John Ferrell, an intellectual-property attorney at Carr & Ferrell. "If they were to ask for preliminary injunction, I can't imagine that it would be granted because the harm to IBM would be so tremendous relative to the benefit of granting the injunction now, as opposed to waiting to the end of the case," he said. In addition, SCO would have to post a bond that would pay for the damage to IBM's business if a preliminary injunction were granted and later found to be improper, Ferrell said. "SCO would have to post that in cash." As a result, SCO's move means that AIX customers might feel a reprieve, Harris said. "If anything, I think the customers may breathe a sigh of relief that there isn't going to be any hearing on a preliminary injunction that might impact them," Harris said. Seeking a permanent injunction as part of a trial "is going to take years." But David Moyer, an attorney with Wineberg, Simmonds & Narita, said not seeking a preliminary injunction "could signal weakness" on SCO's part. "They had signaled they would do something to stop IBM from going forward with AIX. The fact that they haven't filed a motion yet either signals they don't want to do something that drastic or they don't believe they would win." Sontag didn't explain SCO's reasons for not seeking a preliminary injunction, other than to say the company is confident of its case and decided against "taking multiple steps." Because of IBM's unwillingness to bow to SCO's demands, SCO's actions Monday were expected. The companies had engaged in brief but unfruitful discussions, SCO said last week. The seeds of SCO's dispute were sowed several years ago. Unix and AIX has a long and twisted history. In 1995, Novell sold SCO Unix copyrights and contracts with many large companies, including Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Compaq Computer. Though those licenses lay largely dormant for years, SCO decided that they could be a source of revenue that could bolster the struggling company's fortunes after its failure to make a business of selling Linux. SCO in March sued IBM for more than $1 billion, alleging that Big Blue had violated its contract with SCO by misappropriating Unix trade secrets it had built into Linux. SCO then found Unix code that it says was copied directly into Linux and has said it will sue others as well. IBM licensed Unix from AT&T in the 1980s, and SCO--formerly called Caldera Systems and Caldera International--bought that contract in 2001. IBM was permitted to build on that Unix technology, but SCO argues that IBM violated its contract by transferring some of those modifications to Linux. Specifically, Sontag said IBM moved technology to Linux from AIX and another version of Unix called Dynix that IBM acquired when it bought Sequent. Specifically, the transferred code includes the Journaled File System (JFS), extensions to make Linux work on a multiprocessor server employing the non-uniform memory access (NUMA) technique, Sontag said. In addition, he said read-copy update (RCU) for relieving some memory bottlenecks on multiprocessor servers, was transferred.

1 0

Linux (Finally) Ready for the Desktop
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 17 Jun '03

17 Jun '03

Linux (Finally) Ready for the Desktop By Robyn Weisman E-Commerce Times June 16, 2003 http://www.ecommercetimes.com/perl/story/21695.html Ignoring a personal entreaty (and a 15 percent licensing discount) from Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, the city of Munich, Germany, decided recently to migrate its 14,000 PC desktop users from Windows to the Linux platform. Laura DiDio, senior analyst of application infrastructure and software platforms at the Yankee Group, told the E-Commerce Times that the Munich decision has a great deal of symbolic public relations value. "Munich is one of the largest cities in Germany, the country with the strongest economy in Europe," DiDio said, adding that government organizations in Europe have long been proponents of open source systems as an alternative to Microsoft offerings. Already Switching Of course, Munich is not the only entity switching to Linux for the desktop. According to Forrester analyst Ted Schadler, shipping giant FedEx now runs its Web applications and e-mail on Linux. Giga/Forrester analyst Stacey Quandt told the E-Commerce Times that tech-oriented organizations, such as the Johnson Space Center and the U.S. Census Bureau, also are using Linux on their desktop computers, and several insurance and financial services firms are evaluating Linux as a desktop alternative. Has Linux finally matured into a viable desktop alternative to the Windows monolith? And will increasing adoption of this open source OS have a snowball effect in more and more organizations? Growing Interest Deb Woods, director of product marketing at Red Hat, told the E-Commerce Times that Red Hat's sales have been increasing steadily across the board, month over month and quarter over quarter. Although most businesses have not made an enterprise-wide switch from Windows to Linux, numerous companies have migrated various aspects of their business, such as workstations, to Linux. However, Woods said, Red Hat's current Linux offering provides applications and support that an average office worker easily could utilize. Included with Red Hat's desktop Linux platform are the Mozilla Web browser, project planning tool MrProject, MailClient for e-mail, and OpenOffice, a suite of business applications similar to Microsoft Office that Woods said is quite capable in any enterprise environment. In addition, Red Hat's user interface is no more difficult to use than Microsoft Windows, according to Quandt. She said she knows several people who have computers that dual-boot between Windows and Linux, and she has yet to hear from anyone who stopped using Linux because of interface issues. Pricing and Compatibility Linux proponents often cite cost containment as a reason to migrate from Windows. Quandt said that while using Linux on the client side can be less expensive than using an equivalent Windows system, overall cost depends on two factors: the types and combinations of applications a company is trying to support, and how many users will be accessing the platform. Notably, alternative business productivity suites, such as OpenOffice, do not yet offer completely seamless compatibility with Microsoft Office documents, though they are moving in this direction. Still, a lack of perfect compatibility may stop certain enterprises from leaving the Windows environment. Most Likely To Switch DiDio said the SMB (small and medium business) segment of the Windows installed base is most likely to consider or commence a wholesale migration to Linux desktops, largely because SMBs are not saddled by tremendous physical infrastructure issues or the need to alter hundreds of thousands of desktops already running Windows-based applications. On the other hand, those factors are more likely to affect large enterprises' decisions about operating systems, causing them to be more conservative in their actions. "Switching over to Linux is a less challenging and less expensive proposition for [these small- and medium-size businesses]," DiDio noted. She also pointed out that companies might begin to use the Linux desktop as a complement to their main Windows setup. For example, an enterprise might switch a couple of remote departments to Linux and Sun's StarOffice office productivity suite. Then, as the company tries out future cost-cutting methods, it might ask itself how Star Office has worked in the test situation. In this way, Linux may slowly infiltrate the enterprise desktop, too. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © Copyright 1998-2003 ECT News Network. All rights reserved

1 0

The Limitations Of Linux
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 17 Jun '03

17 Jun '03

The Limitations Of Linux Lisa DiCarlo, 06.16.03 There have been so many glowing stories on the use of Linux that one might come away with the impression that Linux is an elixir that solves myriad business problems, and that it is always cheaper than alternatives. But like a lot of technologies before it, Linux has, to some degree, been overhyped. There is no question that companies can sometimes cut costs and increase productivity by using Linux systems instead of Unix or Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) Windows. But there are costs and technical limitations associated with Linux that don't typically make headlines. Customers say these include a lack of mature development tools, too many Linux variants, acquisition costs for more sophisticated versions of the software and lack of applications for small and medium-sized businesses. Master Nursery Garden Center, a $500 million gardening cooperative, has been using Linux for several years and is satisfied with its cost and performance. Yet Michael Baeta, director of technology communications, concedes that there is "not a lot of depth" in some areas. "Figuring out stuff...like production, low-end desktop publishing or using a consumer-oriented database will take some outside consulting," he says. "You run into problems when you try to do something that it's not designed to do." That's partly because, at this point, Linux lags Windows in terms of integration with hardware and software. That's changing--Oracle (nasdaq: ORCL - news - people ), Dell Computer (nasdaq: DELL - news - people ), IBM (nyse: IBM - news - people ), Veritas Software (nasdaq: VRTS - news - people ) and others are making inroads--but it takes time to test for every permutation and make sure everything works well together. What about cost? Ask anyone to name the first thing that comes to mind when they hear the word "Linux," and most likely what he'll say is "free." While less complex versions of Linux are often free, enterprise-class variants are more costly. Tom Fisher, assistant vice president at Guide One Insurance, was stung by the $10,000 price tag of the mainframe version of Linux, distributed by SuSe. "IBM was preaching that Linux was free," says Fisher. "But it's not free on the mainframe. That was a big surprise." Still, he says he avoids support fees, which can run in the tens of thousands of dollars annually, by leveraging the worldwide network of Linux developers on the Web. Most companies measure cost not by the initial one-time purchase of hardware or software, but by what it costs over a period of years, or the total cost of ownership. "Linux is not free when you count maintenance and support," says Aaron Barnham, vice president of operations at TMP Technologies, a unit of Monster Worldwide (nasdaq: MNST - news - people ), which runs career Web site Monster.com. "Every company, product and Web site is different. With tech budgets tight, everybody needs to look at their true cost of ownership and determine what is the right fit." Barnham explained that the cost of swapping out Windows or Unix servers, retraining and maintenance might wipe out whatever initial cost savings Linux provides. That said, "If Microsoft keeps raising software prices, it will change our total cost-of-ownership numbers and that would force us to reconsider." Last year, Microsoft sponsored a study by International Data Corp. that found Windows systems to be cheaper than Linux over a five-year period. The study looked at five common business uses and concluded that Windows is less expensive in four of five instances. IDC pointed out, however, that Linux developers and supporters are quickly closing the price gap. Packaged Linux software will increasingly be built into server hardware, reducing the need for extra development. Further, the report said, "system management tools are emerging and can be expected to expand rapidly," thus reducing the total cost of Linux servers. For smaller customers, Linux might not be cost effective. That's because there aren't as many Linux applications available for small businesses as for larger ones, and also because small customers generally don't have the resources to do much custom development. "I'm not a fan of Linux at all [because] there wasn't a lot of off-the-shelf software," says Jalem Getz, president of Buyseasons, a $10 million costume e-tailer that dumped its open-source Web servers for Windows in 2000. "We had to build everything from scratch and we didn't have the budget for that." Getz says there were technical problems with Microsoft's Commerce Server products but that the company made good by giving Buyseasons four free weeks of development time with Microsoft engineers. John Groenveld, associate research engineer at Pennsylvania State Applied Research Lab, says he is "no fan of Microsoft" but is distressed by the fact that there isn't a single standard for Linux. There are many companies, including Red Hat (nasdaq: RHAT - news - people ) and SuSe, producing their own versions. "Each has [its] own peculiarities," Groenveld says. "What if you choose one that doesn't succeed" in the marketplace? Most experts agree that there will be a shakeout amongst Linux distributors simply because the market, however large, will not sustain all the players. So, in the end, this is what we know: Linux is here to stay; it will get better; and sometimes it's cheaper than alternatives, but it's not right for every application. We know the very same about Windows. Source: www.forbes.com

1 0

NEWS: PIL Seeks Window out of Microsoft
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 17 Jun '03

17 Jun '03

There seems to be a mix-up between the kernel and the OS ("Linux is an open source code operating system developed by software programmer Linus Torvalds...") but the report below is interesting. Lawyer friends in India however caution that hastily-drawn PILs could also have unintended effects. FN PIL SEEKS WINDOW OUT OF MICROSOFT The Financial Express, June 12, 2003 www.financialexpress.com Sudarshan Kumar | New Delhi | June 11 EVEN AS Microsoft wages war against rival open source operating system Linux around the world, a public interest ligitgation (PIL) filed in the Jharkhand High Court could add fuel to the open source versus proprietary software debate, particularly in the e-governance space. The Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft is ubiquitous through its popular Windows operating system which runs most of the world's desktop computers. The petition filed by a high court lawyer in Ranchi pleads for a directive to the Indian government and the state of Jharkhand to implement cheaper open source (read, Linux) software instead of expensive proprietary products. There has been a renewed thrust within governments, both in the states and at the Centre, to evaluate alternatives on Linux. Linux is an open source code operating system developed by software programmer Linus Torvalds to offer an alternative to the Unix system, variants of which are offered by leading vendors in their proprietary versions. The Linux source code is free to everyone under a general public licence. The term 'Linux' was developed from 'Unix' and 'Linus'. The petitioner-lawyer, Manish Kumar, did not wish to go on the record to share details of the petition. However, sources familiar with the process said point of admission hearing has been fixed for June 12. The petition says the proprietary software is available at a high price and its source code cannot be modified except with the approval of its owner. The code for open source software is, however, freely available and can be modified according to the user's requirements. A Microsoft spokesperson said the company could not comment on the PIL "as it is sub-judice". However, sources close to the company said Linux was often used by government officials as an "arm-twisting" tool during negotiations. On the open source debate, Microsoft India head of marketing Sanjiv Mathur said: "Both commercial and open source software play important roles in the broader IT ecosystem -- and in supporting IT-related development. The commercial software model has effectively demonstrated development-related advantages, including cost-effectiveness, opportunities for growth, long-term sustainability and affordable access. These advantages will largely be lost if developing nations, like India, adopt biases against commercial software or enact policies that inhibit the growth of a domestic commercial software industry." Microsoft has recently invited Jharkhand chief minister Ajun Munda to a 'government leadership summit' in Redmond. Mr Munda, however, did not attend the mid-May meet. The company has been persistent in its evangelising effort to woo governments and corporates alike across the world to implement its proprietary products and solutions. Critics say these licensing deals lock customers into heavy initial investments and regular payments for 'upgrades' to improved versions that are launched periodically. The software maker last month lost a key battle against Linux in Munich, Germany, where the city council decided to switch its 14,000-computer network to the open source operating system. Linux itself came under attack recently, albeit indirectly, with Unix code owner SCO Group (formerly Santa Cruz Operations) suing IBM (International Business Machines) for an alleged breach of contract. SCO says IBM handed over pieces of its proprietary Unix code to Linux developers. While IBM has denied any wrongdoing, Microsoft expressed tacit support for SCO by licensing its Unix technology. (ENDS) -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frederick Noronha (FN) | http://www.fredericknoronha.net Freelance Journalist | http://www.bytesforall.org http://goalinks.pitas.com | http://joingoanet.shorturl.com http://linuxinindia.pitas.com | http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks ------------------------------------------------------------------------- T: 0091.832.2409490 or 2409783 M: 0 9822 122436 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

Linux gets fresh kernel
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 16 Jun '03

16 Jun '03

Linux gets fresh kernel By Robert Lemos, CNET News.com 16/6/2003 URL: http://asia.cnet.com/newstech/systems/0,39001153,39136626,00.htm Updated code for the heart of current Linux products was released last Friday, in the first major revamp to the kernel since November. Linus Torvalds, maintainer Marcelo Tosatti and the main Linux developers issued the update to the latest stable version of the 2.4-series Linux kernel. The release, version 2.4.21, adds support in the open-source operating system for a host of new devices and corrects software flaws. It also incorporates support for Advanced Micro Devices' 64-bit Opteron processor. Tosatti, the person who oversees development of the 2.4-series kernel, and Torvalds, the original creator of the Linux kernel and now the person who oversees the kernel development process, have signed off on the latest version of the core code amid controversy. Unix vendor SCO Group has accused IBM of copying its proprietary code and including it in the Linux kernel. Big Blue has until today to meet SCO's demand that it comply with the terms of its Unix license or face revocation of its rights. However, IBM says it hasn't done anything wrong and isn't likely to yield to SCO's demands. The software update arrives in the month that Torvalds estimated the next version of the core Linux software, 2.6, would arrive. Torvalds had frozen the feature of the next generation of the kernel last October in order to hash out existing issues. The new kernel can be downloaded from the Linux development site Kernel.org

1 0

Transmeta pushes Linux in China
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 16 Jun '03

16 Jun '03

Transmeta pushes Linux in China By Matthew Broersma, Special to CNETAsia Monday, June 16 2003 8:57 AM Transmeta has signed on Chinese computer maker Chinese 2000 Holdings to develop and market low-cost Linux-based devices such as notebooks, PCs and set-top boxes. Transmeta, a manufacturer of low-power, Intel-compatible chips, says its chips consume less power than Intel or Advanced Micro Devices processors--with similar performance. But Transmeta has struggled to win contracts with major PC makers. The company said it hopes a growing interest in Linux in the Asia-Pacific region will boost demand for Transmeta-powered products. Chinese 2000 Holdings will develop products based on Midori Linux--Transmeta's own Linux distribution for mobile devices. In exchange, Transmeta said it has taken an equity ownership in Chinese 2000 Holdings and the two companies have made a profit-sharing arrangement for revenue from the sale of Midori Linux services and support. The companies are aiming products at China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Interest in Linux has grown in Asia-Pacific countries because, unlike a lot of other software, its intellectual property is not owned by U.S. multinational corporations. Linux is distributed under an open-source license that broadly allows anyone to modify and redistribute the code, as long as the modifications are shared with the developer community.. The Chinese government is backing a home-grown Linux system called Red Flag, while in Thailand, HP is selling a low-cost "people's notebook" running on Linux. Because of Linux's stability, some electronics makers are already using it to power high-end consumer electronics devices, one the best-known being the TiVo digital video recorder. "Transmeta's unique combination of microprocessor, system-level and Linux expertise, coupled with Chinese 2000 Holdings' experience in the Asian markets, make a formidable partnership," Transmeta Chief Executive Matthew R. Perry said in a statement. "Together, we offer our customers a comprehensive approach to Linux-based computing." ZDNet UK's Matthew Broersma reported from London.

1 0

News from the GLUG-T
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 16 Jun '03

16 Jun '03

An interesting report from South India... FN ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Vijay Kumar B." <ec10052(a)rect.ernet.in> Subject: [glug-t] Meeting Minutes Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2003 14:02:43 GMT Every GLUG-T meeting is a different experience. But this one was a _really_ different experience. By 10:00am the strength was around 7(4 boys and 3 girls). But the people at Accel who were to provide the meeting place had not arrived yet. One of our speaker's Mr. Balaji had also not arrived. We decided to start. We sat down a flight of stairs in the Accel building.(There are no barriers for the exchange of knowledge!) Luckily I had my laptop with me which served the purpose of a digital black board. Manik borrowed the watch man's chair to put the laptop on top of it. The meeting started with an introduction of the two new girls 8-) Then we moved on to the first topic 'Game Programming in SDL' by me. I started off with crediting the author Sam Lantinga, and then showed a few programs written using SDL, to get an idea of what we are going to talk about. Heres a list of stuff I then started talking about: 1) Initializing the library, and quitting the library. 2) Video modes, resolution, bit depth, and the flags available with SDL_SetVideoMode. 3) Different bit depth formats and their details and functions available to generate those pixel formats from RGB values. 4) Drawing graphics on the screen either by directly accessing the pixels or by blitting. Locking and Unlocking the surface. 5) Loading windows BMP files, using SDL_LoadBMP. 6) Keyboard event handling using SDL's polling function and reading the keyboard status using SDL_GetKeyState. Did I say that you will use SDL_PumpEvents before using SDL_GetKeyState? 7) Providing proper delay using SDL_Delay and SDL_GetTicks. This was what I had prepared to talk about but Manik insisted that I explain the logic used in my pacman clone(one of the demos I had shown at the start). So I went on to explain state machines and the A* algorithm. We then moved on to the next topic of the meeting "Regular Expressions" by Rams. By then another staff of STEP TREC had joined us. He also informed us that Mr. Balaji will not be coming for the meeting because he was stuck up with some web server problem. Rams explained the history of the regular expression. It seems regexp were used long back in Set theory and were latter adopted in the computer world. Rams started off with repetition operators used with regular expressions '*' and '+'. He used the grep program and the dictionary file to demonstrate their purpose. He also explained that their meanings were different from the ones used in shell expansion. Here is a list of what he spoke about: 1) '.' and '?' repetition operators. 2) Anchoring using '^' and '$' to match the beginning and end of line. 3) Subexpressions and the infix operator "|". 4) Back referencing. (I particularly liked the palindrome searching example.) 5) Bracket expression using '[' ']'. Negating the expression. Specifying ranges. 6) Character classes to be used within Bracket expression. 7) Repetition operators '{N, M}' 8) Operators(?) related to the edge of a word '\b', '\B'. 9) Operators(?) related to the beginning and end of a word '\<' '\>'. On my request he gave us a list of tools that use regexp. extensively - awk, sed, perl, emacs, etc. He also showed us how to use regexp search in emacs. I then told the new members about our mailing lists. We then discussed about the topics for the next meeting. Muthu wanted to give us an introduction on Python, I wanted to show everybody a demo on the One True Program ;-), and Mr. Balaji would talk on clusters. We can only hope that the next meeting's venue will not be a staircase but a more glamorous hall at SASTRA. I hope all the members carried back home great experiences of this wonderful(?!) meeting. Non-free* software sucks. - RMS * 'free' as in freedom.

1 0

[Fsf-friends] LINK: Call for volunteers to work on Bangla localisation (Gnome/GNU-Linux)
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 16 Jun '03

16 Jun '03

From: "Sankarshan Mukhopadhyay" <essemm(a)softhome.net> To: "Frederick Noronha" <fred(a)bytesforall.org> Sent: Friday, June 13, 2003 8:54 PM Subject: a call for volunteers attached please find an attachment calling for volunteers for the Bangla Localisation Project (Ankur). can you pass this around ? kindly do the needful. warm regards and have a wonderful day. sankarshan ********************************************** A call for 'Volunteers' An Overview The Ankur Bangla Translation Project is a voluntary community based localisation project aimed at facilitating the Bangla/Bengali version of the Gnome Project(of the Free Software Foundation). Under the aegis of this effort, around 12000 lines (in over 42 files) will be translated. Current Status As on 13.06.2003, more than 50% of the Gnome-Core and library files have been translated. The locale settings have been satisfactorily tested and the screenshots are available at the webpage of the Project at www.bengalinux.org Volunteer Profile The Ankur Project is in the final stages and this announcement forms the basis of a call for volunteers. The Project welcomes all those who are willing to participate, however the following qualities are most desirable: [1] ability and willingness to work in a community based development project using the OpenSource Software development model. [2] capability to identify the 'proper' vernacular equivalents of technical terms. [3] possessing conceptual clarity about Human Computer Interaction as well as linguistic nuances. [4] ease-of-use with GNU/Linux distributions, though the task of translation can also be carried out under other platforms (for details contact the mailing list). [5] capability to devote time and effort to undertake translation of strings. All contributions from volunteers will be duly acknowledged and credited. For further information about ongoing projects, please visit the homepage at www.bengalinux.org or join the mailing list gnome-translation(a)bengalinux.org. ---------- Who Dares, Wins !! http://sankarshan.blogspot.com - Random Thoughts http://sankarshan.rediffblogs.com - Open Minds, Open Source ----------

1 0

Indian, Pakistan... parallel thinking on GNU/Linux
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 15 Jun '03

15 Jun '03

URL : http://www.corante.com/mooreslore/20030601.shtml#39263 Pakistan Putting Money Into Linux [map-pakistan.jpg] Our Pakistani correspondent, [49]Tariq Mustafa, writes to say that the new Pakistani national budget has $2.5 million in it for Linux. It's all part of a $54 million (Rs 3.25 billion) proposal covering 120 different projects in Information Technology and sciences for the coming year, according to the [50]Daily Times of Pakistan. Linux even gets its own line-item in the IT budget, according to the Daily Times story. You may remember a few weeks ago that I wrote about how India's President faced down Bill Gates over the issue, saying that his country needed to control its own computing destiny and that software controlled by an outsider (i.e. Windows) could not provide that. The big news here is that Pakistan agrees. Now perhaps they might settle their other differences. (I know, Tariq -- it's not that simple. But just [51]Imagine...) [52]Dana Blankenhorn 49. http://pakistan.blogspot.com/ 50. http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_9-6-2003_pg7_41 51. http://www.merseyworld.com/imagine/lyrics/imagine.htm 52. http://www.a-clue.com/ -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frederick Noronha (FN) | http://www.fredericknoronha.net Freelance Journalist | http://www.bytesforall.org http://goalinks.pitas.com | http://joingoanet.shorturl.com http://linuxinindia.pitas.com | http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks ------------------------------------------------------------------------- T: 0091.832.2409490 or 2409783 M: 0 9822 122436 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

Anti social
by CK Raju 14 Jun '03

14 Jun '03

>From President's point of view : If 'believing in proprietary solutions' is unfortunate then 'using one' would be wrong, and 'propagating or advocating proprietary solutions' would be a crime. If the outcome has 'devastating effects on society', then prescribing it would be definitely anti social. Which means some 'projects' here in Kerala, are using 'anti social and criminal' means to take things to certain 'ends'. Is it wrong if we exposed 'them' this way ? CK Raju

1 0

[UNDP Consultation] ICT Working Group Calls for Promotion of Free and Open Source Software (fwd)
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 14 Jun '03

14 Jun '03

This was put out on Irfan Khan's s-asia-it(a)apnic.net mailing list. FN ---------- Forwarded message ---------- [with thanks to DigitalOpportunity.org for the lead] UNDP Consultation on ICT4D and Media Partnerships ICT Working Group Calls for Promotion of Free and Open Source Software New Delhi, 31 May [2003]: Free and Open Source Software should be promoted as the new mantra in the area of using Information and Communication technology (ICT) for Human Development. This was the key message of the discussions during the second day of the Consultation on ICTs for Development and Cross- Media Partnerships, organised jointly by the United Nations Development Programme, the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB) and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi. Describing Open Source Software as an area of far-reaching relevance for rural development and community-based initiatives, Mr. R. Chandrashekhar, the Joint Secretary for E-Governance, Ministry of Information Technology, said that a number of fora within the Government were actively promoting and advocating for non-proprietary software. We have to keep in mind a discerning consumer who wants quality and value delivered at an affordable price, and Open Source Software meets this requirement well, he said. Speaking at the Consultation, Dr. S Ramakrishnan, the head of Software Development in the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, made a strong case for the promotion of Free and Open Source Software. He called for greater localisation of Open Source Software and vendor support for user groups. Dr. Ramakrishnan also said that in the last few months there has been increasing debate and discussion within the Government about promoting Open Source Software. He said that the Government recognises a tremendous scope for public-private partnerships and is considering pilot initiatives and supporting the NGOs working the field. He said the need of the hour is to spread the word and encourage people to look at Open Source Software as an efficient alternative. He said workshops like these helped demystify Open Source Software and break the prevailing myths. The Consultation highlighted successful case studies in the use of Open Source Software in various areas. Mr. Sanjay Jaju, District Collector of the West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh and pioneer of the much-acclaimed e-governance initiative Saukaryam, discussed how the use of Open Source Software has enhanced the administration work in his district. Mr. Kishore Bhargava of Link Axis Technologies talked about the potential of Open Source Software in the field of education and explained how its low cost, flexibility and easy adaptability could prove to be the key to expanding education opportunities in the country. Mr. Venkatesh Hariharan of IndLinux made a compelling case for promoting Open Source Software in the area of Indian language computing. He said that India was in a condition of Digital Brahminism where the English-educated and computer literate minority enjoyed a position of privilege. He called for the development of localised software for the 900 million-strong non-English speaking population of the country. He quoted the example of China where the law mandates every computer in the country to be equipped with a Chinese language interface, and said it was disappointing that we do not have an interface for Hindi, which is the fourth largest spoken language in the world. The recommendations of the Consultation emphasized that Open Source Software has implications for human development, and thus the issue of technology should be considered not in isolation but in the context of development. Discussions during the Consultation yielded a consensus about Open Source Software being the way forward, and the need for developing support mechanisms for bringing about an open source software revolution. source: http://www.undp.org.in/NEWS/PRESS/press262.htm _______________________________________________ s-asia-it mailing list s-asia-it(a)lists.apnic.net http://mailman.apnic.net/mailman/listinfo/s-asia-it

1 0

SUGGESTION: Buidling a network...
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 14 Jun '03

14 Jun '03

Hi, Over the last couple of years, the momentum for building a network of Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) across India seems to have slackened. Correct me if I'm wrong... When we in Goa were planning to set up a G/LUG, we got a whole lot of support from friends in Mumbai. They offered to send us CDs, gave us tips on how to go about things, and lent moral support in many ways. Can we think of some initiative to continue with such a trend, maybe on a more organised basis? For a country of one thousand million, we have an estimated 40-60 known LUGs/GLUGs/FSUGs. Some of these are very active, some barely so. Anyway, this means that there exists a group for a population of nearly 20 million! This is clearly insufficient to spread awareness about FLOSS. LinuxForYou's listing of Indian Linux User Groups puts down contacts for some 54 groups. But this needs updating and corrections (for instance, under 'Goa' you find the Margao group, while the Panjim group gets listed under a separate head and the third free software group, at the Farmaguddi engineering college, doesn't seem to get mentioned). Anyway, this is one starting point... Linux-magazine.com lists some 21 FLOSS groups across India (Bangalore, 2 groups; Calcutta, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Goa, Jabalpur, Kanpur, Madurai, Mangalore, Meerut, Mysore, Nasik, North India, Pandalam, Patna, Pune, Trivandrum and Visakhapatnam). Maybe what we should aim for is: o Build a LUG/FSUG/GLUG in every district o Encourage smaller LUGs to be built up in different parts of larger cities, provided there is no overlap in activities or unhealthy rivalry o Scout around for those willing to launch GLUGs/LUGs/FSUGs in places where none exist. Perhaps the most useful help one could offer to a new group would be o Moral support o Sharing CDs to build up a local 'CD repository' o Tips on how to sustain activities o Posting to their lists to help build up critical mass o Volunteering speakers who are willing to travel and talk in their region (Trevor Warren and team from Mumbai have done a good job in helping Belgaum and Hubli recently). o Build a network to keep monitoring where the building up of such groups would be possible. After meeting in Bangalore last December (LB2002), Sukrit of Pondicherry and a few others set up a small network called the Little League. See little_league(a)yahoogroups.com It's goal is to encourage new LUGs to grow and share resources. Maybe some of the new groups could join that network. Please send in your suggestions, brickbats and criticism to the suggestions above. Whichever way we do it, it would be important to take on this task at some stage. FN -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frederick Noronha (FN) | http://www.fredericknoronha.net Freelance Journalist | http://www.bytesforall.org http://goalinks.pitas.com | http://joingoanet.shorturl.com http://linuxinindia.pitas.com | http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks ------------------------------------------------------------------------- T: 0091.832.2409490 or 2409783 M: 0 9822 122436 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

Can't read SRNS's postings on digest version
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 14 Jun '03

14 Jun '03

Is there some problem with Soundara Rajan's postings? Don't seem to be getting through. Is this because these are multipart and include gifs? FN > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2003 05:49:52 -0700 > From: "Soundara Rajan N.S." <searchlight(a)sancharnet.in> > Subject: [Fsf-friends] 'Linux hasn't cut into our Indian market' > To: fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in > Message-ID: <00e001c33017$f450e870$dd84013d@soundar> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252" > > Skipped content of type multipart/alternative

1 0

PIL Seeks Window Out Of Microsoft
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 12 Jun '03

12 Jun '03

PIL Seeks Window Out Of Microsoft Sudarshan Kumar New Delhi, June 11: Even as Microsoft wages war against rival open source operating system Linux around the world, a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the Jharkhand High Court could add fuel to the open source versus proprietary software debate, particularly in the e-governance space. The Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft is ubiquitous through its popular Windows operating systems which run most of the world’s desktop computers. The petition filed by a high court lawyer in Ranchi pleads for a directive to the Indian government and the state of Jharkhand to implement cheaper open source (read, Linux) software instead of expensive proprietary products. There has been a renewed thrust within governments, both in the states and at the Centre, to evaluate alternatives on Linux. Linux is an open source code operating system developed by software programmer Linus Torvalds to offer an alternative to the Unix system, variants of which are offered by leading vendors in their proprietary versions. The Linux source code is free to everyone under a general public licence. The term ‘Linux’ was derived from ‘Unix’ and ‘Linus’. The petitioner-lawyer, Manish Kumar, did not wish to go on the record or share details of the petition. However, sources familiar with the process said point of admission hearing has been fixed for June 12. The petition says that proprietary software is available at a high price and its source code cannot be modified except with the approval of its owner. The code for open source software is, however, freely available and can be modified according to the user’s requirements. A Microsoft spokesperson said the company could not comment on the PIL “as it is sub-judice”. However, sources close to the company said Linux was often used by government officials as an “arm-twisting” tool during negotiations. On the open source debate, Microsoft India head of marketing Sanjiv Mathur said: “Both commercial and open source software play important roles in the broader IT ecosystem - and in supporting IT-related development. The commercial software model has effectively demonstrated development-related advantages, including cost-effectiveness, opportunities for growth, long-term sustainability, and affordable access. These advantages will largely be lost if developing nations, like India, adopt biases against commercial software or enact policies that inhibit the growth of a domestic commercial software industry.” Microsoft had recently invited Jharkhand chief minister Arjun Munda to a ‘government leadership summit’ in Redmond. Mr Munda, however, did not attend the mid-May meet. The company has been persistent in its evangelising efforts to woo governments and corporates alike across the world to implement its proprietary products and solutions. Critics say these licensing deals lock customers into heavy initial investments and regular payments for ‘upgrades’ to improved versions that are launched periodically. The software maker last month lost a key battle against Linux in Munich, Germany, where the city council decided to switch its 14,000-computer network to the open source operating system. Linux itself came under attack recently, albeit indirectly, with Unix code owner SCO Group (formerly Santa Cruz Operations) suing IBM (International Business Machines) for an alleged breach of contract. SCO says IBM handed over pieces of its proprietary Unix code to Linux developers. While IBM has denied any wrongdoing, Microsoft expressed tacit support for SCO by licensing its Unix technology. URL: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=36075

1 0

SCO says to act against IBM if no deal by Friday
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 12 Jun '03

12 Jun '03

SCO says to act against IBM if no deal by Friday Reuters, 06.11.03, 7:01 PM ET By Reed Stevenson SEATTLE (Reuters) - SCO Group Inc., which claims International Business Machines Corp. illegally used parts of its Unix software in other programs, said Wednesday that it could revoke its license to the world's largest computer company unless they settled this week. Lindon, Utah-based SCO is suing IBM for more than $1 billion and warned 1,500 other companies last month that they may be violating SCO's intellectual property rights because parts of its Unix software code are being used in Linux. Unix is a widely-used operating system for networked computers that was first developed by AT&T Corp. Various versions of Unix are now used to run corporate and government computer systems for serving up Web pages, accounting, manufacturing and storing information. Linux, unlike proprietary versions of Unix and Microsoft Corp.'s Windows programs, is a version of Unix that can be copied and modified freely. IBM, which had licensed Unix code in order to develop its own Unix-based system called AIX, is also one of the biggest champions of Linux, which it supports in order to sell its hardware and services to corporations. SCO claims that IBM transferred some AIX code over to Linux. "If we don't have a resolution by midnight on Friday the 13th, the AIX world will be a different place," SCO President and Chief Executive Darl McBride told Reuters. "We've basically mapped out what we will do. People will be running AIX without a valid license," said McBride, who offered no specific details on what action SCO would take. IBM declined to say whether it was in negotiations with SCO to meet Friday's deadline. "IBM believes that our contract with regard to AIX is irrevocable and perpetual and there is nothing further to discuss," said IBM spokeswoman Trink Guarino. SLEEPING GIANT Some industry experts see SCO's campaign as an attempt to gain a windfall settlement, most likely by selling itself to IBM or another industry heavyweight. SCO, formerly known as Caldera Systems Inc., owns the intellectual property rights to Unix but also makes versions of Unix that run on Intel Corp.'s microprocessors, which also serves as the main platform for Windows and Linux. Intel-based computers are generally considered cheaper than other high-end systems offered by IBM or Sun Microsystems Inc. and have been gaining ground in corporations. SCO posted a profit of $3.8 million during the first half of its current fiscal year, compared to a loss of $17.6 million a year earlier, due in part to increased income from its Unix assets. McBride said SCO's Unix intellectual property had been previously under-utilized by the company: "We've spent the last couple of quarters waking the sleeping giant." So far, that initiative has reaped rewards for McBride, SCO's 340 employees and shareholders. SCO's shares have skyrocketed in the past year to $8.65, its latest close on Wednesday from a 52-week low of 60 cents. SCO also won a license from Microsoft, which agreed to pay SCO to ensure that it would not violate intellectual property rights when developing software that works with Unix. But Microsoft's move was widely seen as an attempt to lend weight to SCO's attack on Linux, which Microsoft views as a threat to its Windows franchise. McBride also said it had resolved most of its differences with another software maker, Novell Inc. which had previously owned the rights to Unix. Novell acquired the rights to Unix in 1992 and later sold those rights to SCO in 1995. SCO developed the first commercial version of Unix for Intel chips and was IBM's partner in developing AIX. But with the growth of Microsoft's Windows software and the advent of Linux as a popular alternative to Unix, SCO struggled. Microsoft even owned a portion of the company, but sold it in 2000. Copyright 2003, Reuters News Service Source: www.forbes.com

1 0

'Linux hasn't cut into our Indian market'
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 11 Jun '03

11 Jun '03

'Linux hasn't cut into our Indian market' THE RAJIV KAUL INTERVIEW / PRAGATI VERMA & SANJEEV SHARMA TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2003 12:40:29 AM ] Rajiv Kaul, managing director, Microsoft India, is working out how to invest the Rs 2,000 crore-booty that Bill Gates has earmarked for India. This is Microsoft’s largest investment outside the US. Mr Kaul also has to take on Linux and the open source software movement that’s spreading fast across India. He talks about the Microsoft agenda to Pragati Verma and Sanjeev Sharma. Excerpts related to Linux:.. How do you assess the impact of Linux in India? Hardly any. Even if you look at IDC figures, our marektshare has not fallen. We have maintained a marketshare of 60% for the last two years on the Windows server. On the desktop, we’ve seen a negligible impact. You would have to struggle to figure out any big Linux customer on the desktop. It has taken years and decades for Windows to make its own space on desktop. It takes a lot of effort and investment from the entire ecosystem. Even if you forget about industry issues — latest versions, standard codes, licensing issues — it’s our ecosystems of partners that count. On the server side, Linux today is used primarily in two scenarios — high volume but low value like web pages. And second is low volume but high value like scientific applications. We have extended our line of offerings to offer solutions in both these areas. Primary use of Linux is still seen only at academic and research level. So, Linux has not dented Microsoft’s business in India in any way? It is a competitive market but we haven’t seen a significant impact till now. Various governments are evaluating technologies but the official policy of the government of India is to be neutral and not play a role in choosing one platform or another. Initially, there was some hype and hoopla over the so-called ‘free’ software, but users are fast realising the total cost of owing a Windows system could be far lower. And there are enough research studies available vouching for that. When you buy Microsoft, you know what you buy is what you get and there are no hidden costs. In fact, users like central depository system (CDS) and Moser Baer, who had earlier opted for Linux, are moving back to Microsoft. We are already seeing the first stages of discontent among Linux users.

1 0

Dear Steve: Time for Microsoft Linux?
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 10 Jun '03

10 Jun '03

Dear Steve: Time for Microsoft Linux? David Coursey, Executive Editor, AnchorDesk Monday, June 9, 2003 Dear Steve Ballmer: Concerning Linux and your memo/exhortation of June 4, I'm pleased to see you've finally recognized--publicly, at least--the threat posed to Microsoft by Linux. Some in the Linux community must imagine you with a sort of "deer in the headlights" look, not quite sure of your fate but certain it can't be good. They could see your memo as a legitimization of Linux, an admission by Goliath that David has a point after all. The Linux hardcore must be hooting and hollering and marking June 4 as a future national day of liberation from the evil empire. I THINK they have it backwards. I think Linux proponents are the ones who should be afraid. Why? Because Microsoft has been in this situation before and, once the battleship was turned, fought and won. Your company also ended up being declared a monopoly, making a deal with the feds, and spending large millions on legal fees. But what's that to Microsoft's multibillion-dollar war chest? You remember the fall of 1995? Back then, people thought Microsoft was hopelessly late in acknowledging the existence of something called the Internet. Competitors were popping up, the industry was abuzz, and Microsoft was nowhere to be found. As I remember, Microsoft had some important projects to finish the previous summer, in particular a little something called Windows 95. But by December, once that had shipped and people had a chance to rest and regroup, Bill invited the media up to Microsoft for a talk about the Internet. That turned out to be one of the most fateful days in personal computing history. Bill told several hundred reporters that Microsoft wouldn't be building Internet products. Instead, it would be putting the Internet into all Microsoft products. Every future Microsoft product would have Internet capabilities built-in. NOW, I'M NOT SURE your June 4 memo is the same war cry I heard nearly eight years ago. But if I were Linux and faced with the prospect of Microsoft throwing everything it could at me, I'd find some way to get out of your path. Here's my suggestion for how Microsoft should deal with Linux: Don't beat 'em, join 'em. Do a release of MS Linux. Create Office for Linux. Improve Linux support in your development tools. Do such a good job of embracing and extending Linux that the world won't care when you essentially annex it for your own. A more cynical person than myself might add: Then you can kill it. I won't, because I believe Linux deserves to live. I think this is the only way Microsoft can both give its customers what they want and manage the threat Linux poses on something approaching your own terms. The first question people will immediately ask is: How can Microsoft participate in an open operating system? Two ways: First, by making it as robust an OS as possible. Second, by creating a collection of services and applications that run atop Linux that only Microsoft controls. The goal here is to shift the competition away from commodity operating systems running on commodity computers. Instead, you should compete on services that sit atop the OS, tools to build applications for it, and integration between the OS and other servers and desktops in the Microsoft world. The second inevitable question: What about Linux on the desktop? While Apple has proven with OS X that a really great desktop can be built atop Unix, I'm not sure how far Microsoft wants to go down this road. There should probably be an Office for MS Linux, because some people will want to run Office on Linux desktops. But I'd probably stop there. BY ADOPTING Linux as its own, Microsoft can respond to what I see as its chief attraction: It's a free operating system for inexpensive servers. Yes, I know there is more to it than that. But a free Microsoft OS that supports other Microsoft technologies would seem to be attractive. And if what we are really doing is raising the level of competition, it might make sense to build middleware and apps for other Linux releases as well. Would Microsoft find itself competing with other vendor's Linux software? Absolutely. But has that stopped Microsoft before? Think of Linux as just another world in need of Microsoft domination and you'll be fine. More broadly, perhaps it is time to offer customers a choice of underlying technologies, as Sun seems to be doing by offering the same stack of middleware for both Solaris and Linux running on Intel-based hardware. Linux (and Unix more generally) could also solve some of Microsoft's security problems and give customers a less expensive and more "open" (whatever that really means) alternative to MS operating systems, while remaining within the Microsoft fold. You could position Linux as the solution for less critical applications, while targeting proprietary MS operating systems at higher performance apps. I can't possibly get into all the issues surrounding a Microsoft-branded Linux here--I can think of a zillion complications. But it's an idea I'd like to see you explore. I have no doubt that if Microsoft decided to participate in the Linux market, the world would be a different place. After all, I've seen what you did with the Internet. Late to the party isn't the same as missing it. Sincerely, David

1 0

SCO says clause bolsters Linux claim
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 09 Jun '03

09 Jun '03

SCO says clause bolsters Linux claim By Stephen Shankland, CNET News.com 9/6/2003 URL: http://asia.cnet.com/newstech/systems/0,39001153,39135666,00.htm SCO Group last week discovered a clause in a contract that could bolster its potential legal claims against Linux users. The company said it has uncovered a 1996 amendment to the contract under which Novell sold many of its Unix assets--which appears to give SCO claim to at least some Unix copyrights. The amendment seems to reverse a provision in the original 1995 asset transfer agreement under which Novell sold much of the Unix business to SCO's predecessor, the Santa Cruz Operation. That sale specifically excluded copyrights from the transfer. The amendment modifies this exclusion, so that SCO seems to receive at least some Unix copyrights. "Our interpretation of this is that we have the copyrights for Unix and UnixWare technologies," said SCO spokesman Blake Stowell. The amendment, dated Oct. 16, 1996, was signed about a year after the original transfer agreement. Even SCO challenger Novell seems to concur, in part, with SCO's interpretation, though Novell said it doesn't have a copy of the amendment in its files and still takes issue with SCO's actions against Linux users. The amendment "that came to Novell's attention today appears to bear a valid Novell signature, and the language, though convoluted, seems to support SCO's claim that ownership of some copyrights for Unix did transfer to SCO," Novell said in a statement issued Thursday. "The amendment does not address ownership of patents, however, which clearly remain with Novell." The amendment was part of a larger financial transaction between the Santa Cruz Operation and Novell, but Stowell didn't have details of that broader agreement. Novell also reiterated its demand that SCO substantiate its claims that proprietary Unix code has been copied into Linux, an open-source operating system modeled after Unix, but whose underlying source code is public. The copying claim, which grew out of SCO's U$1 billion lawsuit against IBM, spurred SCO to send letters to 1,500 large companies warning that using Linux could expose them to legal liability. At least one independent observer agreed that the amendment appears to give SCO copyrights. "They do have the copyrights," said John Ferrell, an intellectual property attorney with Carr and Ferrell, after reviewing the contract amendment. However, for SCO to bring copyright-based lawsuits against Linux users, SCO would have to show that the copyright transfers have been registered at the U.S. Copyright Office, Ferrell said. Signing a contract that transfers the copyrights but not registering that transfer "is akin to buying the Hearst Castle and not recording the deed with the county recorder," Ferrell said. The amendment changes the intellectual property that wasn't sold to the Santa Cruz Operation. It was modified to exclude from transfer "all copyrights and trademarks, except for the copyrights and trademarks owned by Novell as of the date of the agreement, required for SCO to exercise its rights with respect to the acquisition of Unix and UnixWare technologies." A SCO paralegal found the amendment Thursday in a filing cabinet, Stowell said. It's titled "Amendment No. 2"; Amendment No. 1 is "completely immaterial" to the issue of copyrights and trademarks, said Stowell, who said he believes there are no other amendments. SCO plans to detail the amended filing and its implications in a news conference Friday.

1 0

Re Runaway ESR
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 09 Jun '03

09 Jun '03

Amol, I'm not in the "too lazy" category. But I use a dial-up on a painfully slow line. This means, visiting URLs is a real pain. Could you post a few details (or a part of the article) so that we don't have to visit the website, but read it via email itself on this list? Tks, FN > From: Amol Hatwar <rollacosta(a)phreaker.net> > Subject: [Fsf-friends] Runaway ESR > To: fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in, rms(a)gnu.org.in > Cc: linuxers(a)mm.gnu.org.in > Message-ID: <1055130776.12002.19.camel(a)localhost.localdomain> > Content-Type: text/plain > > Wonder if any one of you came across this @ Slashdot. It's about ESR > adding his own jargon descriptions to the well-known jargon file he > maintains. You can see the post here: > http://slashdot.org/articles/03/06/08/1534249.shtml?tid=99 > > For people too lazy to point their browsers here's a short description: > > ---Starts-- > As reported by NTK, ESR appears to have embarked apon the process of > recasting the Jargon File in his own image, adding terms like "Aunt > Tillie" and "GhandiCon" that he dreamt up and seemingly no-one else > uses, and various terms from (of all places) the warblogging community, > where he is active. He's also updated the "Hacker Politics" page to be > more closely aligned with his own views. > --Ends-- -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frederick Noronha (FN) | http://www.fredericknoronha.net Freelance Journalist | http://www.bytesforall.org http://goalinks.pitas.com | http://joingoanet.shorturl.com http://linuxinindia.pitas.com | http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks ------------------------------------------------------------------------- T: 0091.832.2409490 or 2409783 M: 0 9822 122436 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

Runaway ESR
by Amol Hatwar 09 Jun '03

09 Jun '03

Wonder if any one of you came across this @ Slashdot. It's about ESR adding his own jargon descriptions to the well-known jargon file he maintains. You can see the post here: http://slashdot.org/articles/03/06/08/1534249.shtml?tid=99 For people too lazy to point their browsers here's a short description: ---Starts-- As reported by NTK, ESR appears to have embarked apon the process of recasting the Jargon File in his own image, adding terms like "Aunt Tillie" and "GhandiCon" that he dreamt up and seemingly no-one else uses, and various terms from (of all places) the warblogging community, where he is active. He's also updated the "Hacker Politics" page to be more closely aligned with his own views. --Ends-- Regards, Amol Hatwar.

1 0

SCO evidence
by Amol Hatwar 09 Jun '03

09 Jun '03

Seems that SCO has given evidence to analysts at the Aberdeen Group; some 80 lines of it. More details here: http://eet.com/sys/news/OEG20030606S0039 As of now, I think SCO's making a mountain out of a mole-hill. But then here is one concern presented in the article: <i>If SCO (Lindon, Utah) prevails in its legal efforts, many observers believe the action could, at best, result in hundreds of multimillion-dollar licensing payments from Fortune 1000 companies and, at worst, damage the foundation of open-source software.</i> Well, I knew OSS was based on wrong principles--kind of a leg-in-leg, but this will certainly raise questions on the immunity of Free Software from such claims. Any expert opinions here? Amol Hatwar.

1 0

Re: Invitation to participate in Pista 2003
by CK Raju 08 Jun '03

08 Jun '03

On Thu, 2003-06-05 at 23:35, Jose Vicente Carrasquero wrote: > We are sorry to take some of your time, we think it would be interesting > for you to know that we have extended the deadline, therefore, we send you > once more, the invitation to participate in PISTA 2003 and the respective > Call For Papers, as follows: > > The Organizing Committee of the International Conference on Socio Political > Informatics and Cybernetics: Pista '03, is pleased to invite you to > participate in this international event that will be held in July 31, > August 1-2, 2003, in Orlando, Florida, USA. > > This is an international conference organized jointly with the > International Conference on Computer, Communication and Control > Technologies: CCCT '03 (July 31, August 1-2, 2003). > > Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are transforming our > societies, therefore papers about research results, solutions and problems > of the applications of ICT in Politics and Society are highly encouraged. > > We are making emphasis on the area of Informatics and Government , mainly > Open Source for National and Local eGovernment Programs which is related > to your specific area. > > You are also invited to organize a panel or an invited session. Panel > sessions with panelists coming from both: ICT researcher/practitioners and > political consultants or politicians are highly encouraged. > > You can find more information about Pista '03, in our web site > http://www.confinf.org/Pista03/WebSite2003/default.asp . > > Could you please deliver the Call for Papers I am including herein, to your > colleagues? > > If you consider that the deadlines are tight and you need more time, > please, let me know about a suitable timing for you and I will inform you > if it is feasible for us. > > This deadline is exclusively for the people who are being invited through > these letters hence, this deadline won't be published in our web site. > > Best Regards, > > Professor Jose Vicente Carrasquero > General Chair Pista 2003 > > CALL FOR PAPERS > > International Conference on Socio Political Informatics and Cybernetics: > Pista '03 > July 31, August 1-2, 2003 - Orlando, Florida, USA > Jointly with The International Conference On Computer, Communication And > Control Technologies: CCCT '03 > > http://www.confinf.org/Pista03 > > Pista '03 Organizing Committee invites authors to submit their original and > unpublished works, innovations, ideas based on analogical thinking, > problems that require solutions, position papers, case studies, etc., in > the fields of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). ICT > researchers are invited to present their research results. > Practitioners and consultants are invited to present case study papers and > innovative solutions. Corporations are invited to present political > information systems and software based solutions. Public servers are > invited to present case studies, information systems developed for specific > purpose, and innovative ideas and designs. Political and social scientists > are invited to present research or position papers on the impact and the > future possibilities of ICT in Societal systems and political processes. > Politician and political consultants are invited to present problems that > might be solved by means of ICT, or solutions that might be improved by > different approaches and design in ICT. > > All are invited to organize panel or invited sessions. Panel sessions with > panelists coming from both: ICT researcher/practitioners and political > consultants or politicians are highly encouraged. > > Submitted papers must describe work not previously published. They must not > be submitted concurrently to another conference with refereed proceedings. > > Pista '03 Organizing Committee invites authors to submit their original and > unpublished works, innovations, ideas based on analogical thinking, > problems that require solutions, position papers, case studies, etc., in > the fields of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). ICT > researchers are invited to present their research results. Practitioners > and consultants are invited to present case study papers and innovative > solutions. Corporations are invited to present political information > systems and software based solutions. > Public servers are invited to present case studies, information systems > developed for specific purpose, and innovative ideas and designs. Political > and social scientists are invited to present research or position papers on > the impact and the future possibilities of ICT in Societal systems and > political processes. Politician and political consultants are invited to > present problems that might be solved by means of ICT, or solutions that > might be improved by different approaches and design in ICT. > > All are invited to organize panel or invited sessions. Panel sessions with > panelists coming from both: ICT researcher/practitioners and political > consultants or politicians are highly encouraged. > > Submitted papers must describe work not previously published. They must not > be submitted concurrently to another conference with refereed proceedings. > > You can find complete information about the conference in our web page > http://www.confinf.org/Pista03 > > > * Pista '03 ORGANIZATION > > General Chair: Prof.: Jose Vicente Carrasquero > Organizing Committee Chair: Prof: Frederik Welsch > > Organized by the IIIS: The International Institute of Informatics and > Systemics > > * CONFERENCE AREAS AND TOPICS > > Informatics And society > Social Informatics. Cyber-Civics. > Digital Libraries. > Communicating Culture. Culture Shifts and the Transformation of Politics. > Digital Cities. > Global E-Quality. E-Development. > Internet and society. What is New about the New Media. > Societal and political impact of Mobile communications. > Politics and the Internet. Politics in Mediatized Cultures. > Computer mediated Communications. Political Communication and Public > Spheres. > Informatics for Education. Computer Mediated Education. The e-literate > society. > Networking Schools, Universities and Communities. > Citizenship in the Information Society. Citizenship, New Media and > Political Action. > Informatics, Voting and Political Parties > Informatics and Political Campaigns. > Online Campaigning. On-line Polling. Political Advertising. > Leaders, Elections and Parties and New Media. Informational Power. > E-democracy and E-participation. Democracy and New Media. > The effects of mobile communication on public participation and > political mobilization. > Political Information. > Informatics And Government > Electronic Government. Web-Enabled Government. Local E-government. > Telematics for Development. Telematics as Agent of Social Change. > Open Source for National and Local eGovernment Programs. > Citizens and Public Administration in the Information Age. > Open Source for National and Local eGovernment Programs. > Political Forces shaping Innovations and Diffusion of Information and > Communication Technologies. Information Politics. The Politics of Inf. > E-administration. E-public services. Web Self-Service in the Public > Sector. > E-Gov. Information Assurance. > Process Models and Software for E-democracy. E-communities. > Software for Dialog and Argumentation. > Intergovernmental Informatics. > Citizens and Governance in an Open Knowledge-Based Society. > E-reality and E-economy. > Cyberspace Security. > Ethical and Legal Issues related to Informatics > Ethical, Legal and societal Challenges of Cyberspace. > Legal Informatics. > Legal Knowledge and Information Systems. > Cyber-Ethics. Ethical issues in computing and Informatics. > > > * ABSTRACTS AND PAPER DRAFTS SUBMISSION FORM > > Papers might be submitted via web page > http://www.confinf.org/Pista03/WebSite2003/Submission.asp, as extended > abstracts (500-2000 words) or as full papers drafts (2000-5000 words). > > Reviews will be done for both kinds of submissions. > > Invited Sessions proposals can be done filling the form given in the web > page http://www.confinf.org/Pista03/InvitedSession2003/organizer.asp > > More information about Invited Sessions Organization could be found at the > web http://www.confinf.org/Pista03/WebSite2003/ISOrganization.asp > > > * IMPORTANT DATES > > June 15, 2003: Submission of extended abstracts (500-1500) words or paper > drafts (2000-5000) words. > > June 15, 2003: Invited session proposals. > > June 25, 2003: Notifications of Acceptance. > > July 05, 2003: Submission of final versions: hard copies and electronic > versions. > > July 31, 2003: Conference Starts > > August 2, 2003: Conference Ends > > Some invited sessions might have a different timetable according to its > organizer and chair > > > * PAPERS REVIEWING AND PUBLICATION > > Submitted papers will be reviewed. Accepted papers, which should not exceed > six single-spaced typed pages, will be published by means of paper and > electronic > proceedings. Authors of accepted papers must sign a copyright release form. > > > * REGISTRATION FEES > > The registration fees will be $290 before the deadline, and $340 after the > deadline. > > This fee will include exclusively: > > * A CD-ROM version of the Proceedings > * One volume of the hard copy version of the Conference Proceedings. > * Coffee breaks > * Welcome Reception > > Each registration fee might include just one paper, which presentation will > be included in the conference program and published in the conference > proceedings. > > > * AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT > > The only audiovisual equipment provided for most meetings will be an > overhead projector and a screen. Video projection or any other equipment, > if needed, will have to be supplied by the presenter. > > > * CONFERENCE CONTACT > > Details can be found at the Conference web page: > http://www.confinf.org/Pista03 > > Answers to specific questions can also be requested by e-mail: > > pista(a)confinf.org > sec.pista@ confinf.org > > We are looking forward to meeting you at Pista '03 conference, in Orlando. > > Organizing Committee > ---- > > ****** Message from InterScan E-Mail VirusWall NT ****** > > ** No virus found in attached file noname.htm > > This is virus free message scanned by Zyberway > ***************** End of message *************** >

1 0

FLOSS... and the digital divide
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 08 Jun '03

08 Jun '03

"DOES FLOSS (Free/Libre and Opne Source Software) offer developing countries any significant alternative in addressing crucial problems, such as the alleviation of poverty, the democratization of society, the reduction of literacy, confilict reduction, access to knowledge, dealing with natural calamities and other emergencies, etc? Does FLOSS have the potential to help bridge the digital divide? "In our view, the answer to most of the above questions is a definite YES, but without attributing some magic-wand status to any technology, especially Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), including FLOSS." -- Niranjan Rajani, in the introduction to his study 'Free as in Education: Significance of Free/Libre and Open Source Software for Developing Countries' For details contact niranjan dot rajani at maailma dot net (online versions available) -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frederick Noronha (FN) | http://www.fredericknoronha.net Freelance Journalist | http://www.bytesforall.org http://goalinks.pitas.com | http://joingoanet.shorturl.com http://linuxinindia.pitas.com | http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks ------------------------------------------------------------------------- T: 0091.832.2409490 or 2409783 M: 0 9822 122436 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 1

PHP vs. ASP .NET
by Amol Hatwar 07 Jun '03

07 Jun '03

I recently came across this article defending PHP against ASP .NET. Pretty interesting stuff. :) Must read for pedagogues, purists and pundits. Here's the link: http://blogs.phparch.com/index.php?m=200305#128 P.S. PHP5 is something to be watched. I guess it'll break the mold once again! Cheers, Amol Hatwar.

1 0

IBM offers free-of-cost GNU/Linux kit
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 07 Jun '03

07 Jun '03

---------- Forwarded message ---------- IBM offers free Linux kit IBM is offering a free beer 4 CD evaluation set of middleware for Linux including the DB2 database, WebSphere tools, Lotus Domino and other applications. The Linux Software Evaluation Kit comes with tech support, and there are also free two-day seminars taking place around the world this month to support the release. The European event is taking place in Paris next week on Wednesday the 11 and Thursday the 12. http://www-106.ibm.com/developerworks/offers/linux-speed-start/ _______________________________________________

1 0

FSF mentioned in The Register
by Venky Hariharan 05 Jun '03

05 Jun '03

FSF is mentioned here. Venky http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/4/30991.html We've seen the future, Indian Prez tells Gates - and you're not in it By Andrew Orlowski in San Francisco Posted: 03/06/2003 at 03:19 GMT Each year, while Bill Gates parties at the World Economic Forum at Davos, Richard M Stallman makes a trip to Porto Alegre. Stallman takes part in discussions on alternatives to globalization, US-style, at the World Social Forum. His travel choice appears to be paying off. Last week Indian President Dr Abdul Kalam called for a halt to the "devastating" impact of proprietary software. He revealed that he had what he called "differences" with the Microsoft founder when the two met last November. "The most unfortunate thing is that India still seems to believe in proprietary solutions," said President Kalam. "Further spread of IT, which is influencing the daily life of individuals, will have a devastating effect on the lives of society due to any small shift in the business practice involving these proprietary solutions. It is precisely for these reasons open source software needs to be built which will be cost effective for the entire society." ""It is precisely for these reasons open source software need to be built which would be cost effective for the entire society. In India, open source code software will have to come and stay in a big way for the benefit of our billion people." Kalam led India's missile program and was elected President by India's national MPs and state assemblies last July. Reflecting on the reaction to India's missile technology innovations, Kalam has remarked, "It is really amusing that the Americans think that it is only with their technology that India can succeed." Pledge Not for the first time, Gates was following in Stallman's footsteps. Both visited India last Fall. In November, Microsoft pledged $400 million of investment in the world's largest democracy, including an education scheme that involves Microsoft software, a move criticized by the Free Software Foundation Of India. In response to some skeptical questioning from the Indian press about the investments, Gates had this to say:- "It is only because of Microsoft's approach that the computer industry has become a worldwide industry." And he probably believes it, too. In Bill's model of globalization, he is the world. ®

2 1

A Cure for What Ails Microsoft
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 04 Jun '03

04 Jun '03

A Cure for What Ails Microsoft By Jay Wrolstad NewsFactor Network June 2, 2003 Microsoft must be cautious in delivering any code to the open-source community. "They have spent billions developing their software, and they don't want to give away the crown jewels," said Yankee Group senior analyst Laura DiDio. _________________________________________________________________ No longer able to dismiss out of hand the attacks coming from all directions -- or to counterattack with impunity -- Microsoft may be well advised to extend an olive branch to the open-source community, say some industry analysts. It is no secret that open-source software is gaining ground on the server, on the desktop, and in PDAs and next-generation phones. Given the vast array of tools and the network of applications developers at its disposal, said Forrester Research analyst Ted Schadler, Microsoft could generate increased interest and revenue by assuming a more giving attitude. First, it could make its common-language runtime (CLR) more widely available. Embracing the Mono project designed to replicate the NET framework on Linux also could be a smart move. Beyond the Desktop Schadler told NewsFactor that the development-focused benefits of the Microsoft architecture are still a strong lure for buyers. "The company has a tremendous ability to build tools for application development and is the best at helping developers build easy-to-use applications quickly," he said. The challenge now is to move beyond the PC and notebook to build new software that connects the desktop to phones and handhelds. "Microsoft needs to get its software on as many devices as possible, not just the operating system," Schadler said. To compete in the Java world, which is where many of these devices are, he said, the company could take advantage of open source by offering some of the lower layers of the CLR to that community and make it easier to port their software. "It's a proliferation strategy, and once their technology is out in the open, Microsoft can then sell more development tools and support services," said the analyst said. Cautious Approach Yankee Group senior analyst Laura DiDio, agrees, up to a point. "Microsoft cannot adopt a bunker mentality, or aggressively attack open source, because open source is not going away," she told NewsFactor. "And the company is providing ammunition to those who consider it the evil empire out to preserve its monopoly status." But Microsoft must be cautious in delivering any code to the open-source community. "They have spent billions developing their software, and they don't want to give away the crown jewels," DiDio said. For handhelds and phones, there could be an advantage in releasing some of its CLR, as long as some controls are established, she suggested. A potential problem with this strategy is that if the code were released, there could eventually be as many versions of Windows and .NET as there are of Linux. "They should offer just enough to enable interoperability," DiDio cautioned. Shared Knowledge One concern for Microsoft is that it only supports its own platform and has shown little inclination to consider other standards, said Forrester analyst Stacey Quandt. "It would be to their advantage to embrace more applications developers, including those in open source," she told NewsFactor. Microsoft already has a shared-source initiative enabling systems integrators to modify some of the company's software for handheld devices. The company knows that a growing number of its customers are leaning toward alternative platforms, such as Linux, and it therefore has to consider supporting other operating systems as replacements for Windows in new devices, Quandt said. The Mono Factor Then there is the Mono project, sponsored by software firm Ximian and designed as an open source, Linux-based version of Microsoft's .NET Web-services development platform. Microsoft is keeping a close eye on the project, says Forrester's Schadler. It would enable .NET to run on virtually any operating system. "If their architecture is out there, Microsoft ultimately wins, because they still own the servers, tools and channel relationships," he said. "Microsoft is interested in this because they want to keep all of their options open." Mono could be a hedge strategy for Microsoft, DiDio agreed, but she pointed out that there has not yet been a stampede toward Linux. A Yankee Group study reports that only 7 percent of server users have adopted the platform, and just 3.5 percent of organizations plan to install Linux on the desktop. Bridges To Build Microsoft could relinquish some Mono project secrets, DiDio said, but may be reluctant to do so since the Linux community has yet to satisfactorily define ownership of the platform. Quandt is not so sure. "I don't see them jumping on [the Mono project], she said, because it undercuts their Windows business." The bottom line is that Microsoft needs to forge some bridges with the open-source community, said DiDio. "It has become a case of 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em,'" she said. ===============================================================

1 0

Volunteers needed for GNU/Linux workshops in kerala
by Sajith V K 04 Jun '03

04 Jun '03

"Freedom matters" Hi, "Kudumbasree", a movement of women in Kerala plans to conduct GNU/Linux workshop for its members, in all 14 districts in Kerala during 2nd and 3rd week of June. It will be a 2day workshop including two demonstration sessions and two hands-on training sessions. We need to make a list of persons in all districts who can help. If you can, please mail me back. Expense will be paid. Arrangement of Venue and facilities will be handled by "Kudumbasree". ------------Regards SajithVK------------------- _________________________________________________________________ Attention NRIs! Send money to India. http://server1.msn.co.in/msnleads/citibankrca/citibankrca2.asp Do it in a jiffy!

1 0

SITEWATCH: Perl-mongers ... from South Africa
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 04 Jun '03

04 Jun '03

This initiative welcomes involvement from India and elsewhere. Thanks to Nico Coetzee for the link. FN URL : http://za.pm.org za.pm.org - perl mongers of south africa Contents [1]home [2]about za.pm.org [3]mailing list Perl Links [4]Perl.org [5]CPAN - search page [6]Google's Perl Groups Perl Mongers [7]pm.org 2003-06-01 Ok, it's the start of a new month, and I think we have reached the point where we can actually start to do things :) At this stage I want to propose the following: we decide on certain focus areas, and based on a 'call for papers' style of working, we get some volunteer articles on a subject matter, and then publish the papers on this site, for discussion on the mailing list - together with any other usual questions you might have, of course. I see it go something like this: we decide which topics should be focused on in the medium term ( next 3 to 4 months or so ). Who ever feels they want to, can then write a short 'article' or tech-paper on the topic, and mail it directly to me. I will publish it on this site, and post a general announcement to the list. The list members then read the paper/article, and we discuss it on the list. After a couple of months/weeks I will archive those discussions separately from the main archive. In that way we build up a resource that even newbies can start to use. Please join us on the mailing list, and give your opinions on this idea. 2003-05-17 WOW ! The marketing paid off this week, and we are now 40 odd members strong. This is a bit more than I expected - but who's complaining :) From 20 May to 27 May 2003 I will be away for a [8]Open Source Seminar in Helsinki. Subscribers and new members - behave! 2003-05-11 I have started some PR, at this stage mainly on the GLUG Mailing list. I reckon there should be sufficient Perl interest in the local Linux community to boost our numbers. We have up to now only 7 subscribed users. Please people - help me get the word out! 2003-03-23 It seems there is life here afterall :) Anyway, still not much new around here. At this stage we have the mailing list ready and the basic site structure, so we can start to market this site now. Please familiarize yourself with our [9]aim, goals and objectives before you subscribe to our mailing list, or before you recommend us to a friend. Well, that's all for now. The updates on this site will be slow and low volume as most will happen on this mailing list. I am looking forward to see you there ! 2003-03-10 This site will shortly evolve in a comprehensive Perl resource for south africans. in the mean time you may join our mailing list here: [10]http://mail.pm.org/mailman/listinfo/za-pm see you around... Copyright � 2003. All rights reserved. [11]za.pm.org nico coetzee [ nico at itfirms dot co dot za ] References 1. http://za.pm.org/index.html 2. http://za.pm.org/about.html 3. http://mail.pm.org/mailman/listinfo/za-pm 4. http://www.perl.org/ 5. http://search.cpan.org/ 6. http://directory.google.com/Top/Computers/Programming/Languages/Perl/?tc=1 7. http://www.pm.org/ 8. http://www.itfirms.co.za/research.html 9. http://za.pm.org/about.html 10. http://mail.pm.org/mailman/listinfo/za-pm 11. http://za.pm.org/index.html

1 0

Imporving Indic Support for Debian GNU/Linux
by Kanti Jadia 04 Jun '03

04 Jun '03

--------------------------------------------------------------------- Improved Indian Support for Debian. Jaldhar Vyas [26]wondered if there is any interest in a sub-project for increasing the support for Indian languages within Debian. Both GNOME and KDE contain viable support already. His goals would be to package Indian support software or write it as necessary, help with i18n and l10n for existing software and advocate the use of Debian in the Indian community. 26. http://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-0305/msg01859.html --------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- Enjoy your Freedom,use GNU/Linux. http://www.gnu.org/gnu/why-gnu-linux.html -----------------------------------------

1 0

KDE improves Indic language support...
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 03 Jun '03

03 Jun '03

_______________________________________________ KDE improves Indic language support The forthcoming KDE 3.2 desktop will have improved support for Indic languages, with Devanagari, Bengali and Tamil already tested. Syriac, Tibetan, Khmer and others are also expected to work, but the KDE project needs people who understand these languages to help the translation and localisation teams by providing feedback. If we'll soon have KDE in Tibetan, will there be any human languages that free software doesn't support? http://dot.kde.org/1053201681/ _______________________________________________ Please send your news snippets to daniel(a)linuxuser.co.uk _______________________________________________ LinuxUser mailing list LinuxUser(a)www.linux.org.uk http://www.linux.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/linuxuser

1 0

ECONOMIC TIMES: Is Linux really happening in India, or is it just hype? (fwd)
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 03 Jun '03

03 Jun '03

URL : http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?msid=383 Is Linux really happening in India, or is it just hype? SOBHA MENON TIMES NEWS NETWORK [spacer.gif] [ SUNDAY, JUNE 01, 2003 01:35:28 AM ] It's being billed as the solution that will deliver the masses from computer illiteracy. And so it was hardly surprising when a recent MAIT-organised seminar on "Open Source Software: A New Direction for India?" drew a larger-than-expected audience that stayed on till the very end. The seminar did throw up some very pertinent questions on open source software (OSS) and helped quite a bit in clearing the myth that the immediate adoption of Linux may be the solution to India's problems. As V Chandrashekhar, global head of s-governance practice, TCS, explains: "Linux use has increased as a result of the economic downturn and the decrease in perceived difficulty in using it. Linux is the de facto standard in embedded systems and in areas of high-end computing -- but it will be some time before it gets popular at the desktop level. " The low cost Linux advantage is what may make it acceptable to small and medium size businesses (SMEs) for accessing web servers, mail servers, and other technologies. Open source code, besides makes it more acceptable in high-end computing areas such as software development, genome unravelling, etc, and in areas where security is paramount -- say, the IT operations of the defence forces. But the common view that anyone who hasn't been exposed to any operating system, for instance Windows, may be a potential user of Linux may not be true as of now. D S Pandit, who heads the information systems at the Municipal Corporation of Delhi is an example. "I got a free CD at a conference in Goa on Linux software for desktops. It took my IT department 10 days to download it and even after that I didn't find it easy to use." For instance, the fact that files created on Star Office sometimes cannot be read on Windows is a disadvantage. "This is an issue that only Microsoft can deal with," says Sandeep Menon, Linux Business Manager, IBM Asean/SA. And it's unlikely that Microsoft will deal with it in a hurry. Sanjeev Mathur, who heads marketing at Microsoft India, explains that the eco-system that Microsoft had created around its products include pre- and post-sales services and academic institutions to develop skills around Microsoft products. "It's an eco-system that Linux can't match," Mathur says. And there's no reason why Microsoft should include competing Linux software in that eco-system. A Nasscom report too which talks about the "silent Linux movement" in India admits that "while Linux is gaining stature, it is a fact that currently, the OS is an add-on to existing platforms within user organisations. Analysts also point out that Linux is still largely at the departmental and file or print server stage rather than at the mission critical database server level." The report also points out that Linux deployments are confined predominantly to the server end with less action at the desktop level and that "this factor too will impede Linux's rapid fire expansion in the Indian market." However, speaker after speaker at the conference spoke about a revolution of sorts. "It's like the flower power movement of the Seventies," said Menon, who exhorted the government to "define open standards in public sector procurement as a matter of policy". Menon would also like government departments to encourage their staff to experiment with Linux, and evaluate Linux as part of the national IT, R&D and economic development strategies. But it might be some time before that happens. The Nasscom report talks about e-governance projects on the anvil in many states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra. But the fact is that most of these are just pilot projects. According to Chandrashekhar, TCS has about 10 e-governance projects in various states, but he says only 20 per cent of the solutions used would be Linux-based. Linux has its drawbacks, he says. "There is a lack of accountability because there are many bunches of developers with all kinds of offers. Also there is a reduced set of supporting hardware and business applications, a lack of guidelines, limitations regarding some high end operations, and limitations of user competence." The common refrain at the seminar was that Linux gave one the opportunity to work with open source code, until one government official piped up: "Why would I need open source code? What do I do with it when I don't have the skills to modify it?" Open source code does have its uses -- in high security environments where you can customise security requirements. For software developers and in areas of high-end computing too, there's a lot of advantage in having open source software because it ensures flexibility in using the software. So doesn't Linux have much prospects in India? It sure does, but only if its introduced at the school level so that future generations can grow up working on Linux, a government official felt. Worldwide, there are many governments that have adopted a policy of using Linux. Germany, Taiwan, China and many other countries in the Asia Pacific region are encouraging the use of Linux and have announced many initiatives based on open source software. In India, it's seen as a slower movement that will grow in size gradually. "A host of companies in India have extended support to Linux, in line with global strategies and initiatives undertaken by them in the open source space," says Nasscom. Already leading IT vendors such as Oracle, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Wipro, Integra Microsystems and Veritas have developed products for the Linux platform. According to Nasscom, many of India's 450,000 to 600,000 software developers who create solutions for the export market are getting onto the Linux bandwagon. All these companies have a separate set of Linux strategies for the Indian market. Red Hat's also working overtime to increase Linux's reach in India by working closely with government agencies such as NIC, ERDCI, IITs, NCST, MIT, etc , to develop applications on Linux. It's also put in place a network of training partners and is now offering courses in over 100 centres in India. And though government officials are still sceptical and look at it as a "hype created by a group of MNCs", it may be just a matter of time before the movement picks up. ______________________________________________________________________

1 0

www.stallman.org switched from FreeBSD to GNU/Linux
by Kanti Jadia 02 Jun '03

02 Jun '03

http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2003/05/05/richard_stallman_adopts_gpl_op… ------------------------------------------------------------------- In the late 90s, I kept some personal information in http://www.gnu.org/people/rms.html. It would have been improper for me to post my other political opinions there. Eventually we found that maintaining substantial amounts of text in that directory for GNU contributors was too much of a burden for the GNU webmasters. So we decided not to use it that way any more. I therefore wanted to set up a personal web site for my personal material. I decided for ethical reasons that the site had to be running a free software operating system, and that it must not put any ads onto my pages. I was prepared to pay for the service, but preferred to avoid the expense if possible. A friend was in a position to sponsor my usage of the site that his company used. That site runs FreeBSD, which is a free system. So I chose that site. In 2003 my friend was no longer able to sponsor the site, so I looked for new hosting. Once again, I considered only machines running free operating systems. I received several acceptable offers; the best one is a site running GNU/Linux. Any free operating system is acceptable, but I prefer to use a version of the GNU system. A couple of other points. * There is no "GNU Project License"; "GNU GPL" is short for the GNU General Public License. * It is not really accurate to say that GNU/Linux is a GPL-covered system and *BSD is not. GNU/Linux contains free software such as TeX and X11 and Apache that have other licenses, while *BSD systems contain GPL-covered programs such as GCC. What is true is that the developers of the *BSD systems do not use the GNU GPL for their own code. Posted by: Richard Stallman on May 16, 2003 11:49 AM ----------------------------------------- Enjoy your Freedom,use GNU/Linux. http://www.gnu.org/gnu/why-gnu-linux.html -----------------------------------------

1 0

TCS to set up Linux lab in Delhi
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 02 Jun '03

02 Jun '03

TCS to set up Linux lab in Delhi PTI[ SUNDAY, JUNE 01, 2003 11:02:30 AM ] NEW DELHI: Software major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is planning to set up a centre of excellence Linux Laboratory in its Delhi facility where it will showcase Linux-installed machines to demonstrate the capability of open source software. IBM and Computer Associates are already on board for the lab and it will be operational in July this year, Gautam Shroff, head, architecture and technology practice, TCS, said while adding the company is in talks with other companies as well. The laboratory will have Linux installed on a number of non-high-end machines but of reasonable calibre that has everything required to run an IT organisation in terms of management software, the middleware and desktops end-to-end, he said. TCS will be investing in the lab in terms of manpower, the partners will be investing in deploying the software. There will be no dedicated team for the lab but there will be one such team of management and TCS will rotate its people through the lab and at any point of time 10 people will be working in the lab, Shroff said. The lab itself does not have a revenue target and the goal of the lab is to provide a set-up where we can bring in our customers to show the extent to which open source could be pushed, he said. The lab will also have TCS's own solutions that it has built for government and the banking sector and has IPRS for them besides demonstrating customers those projects on open source, Shroff added. ====================================================== Posted by N.S. Soundara Rajan, Freelance IT Correspondent, Mysore, India

1 0

[Fsf-friends] Is Linux really happening in India, or is it just hype?
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 02 Jun '03

02 Jun '03

Is Linux really happening in India, or is it just hype? SOBHA MENON TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ SUNDAY, JUNE 01, 2003 01:35:28 AM ] It’s being billed as the solution that will deliver the masses from computer illiteracy. And so it was hardly surprising when a recent MAIT-organised seminar on “Open Source Software: A New Direction for India?” drew a larger-than-expected audience that stayed on till the very end. The seminar did throw up some very pertinent questions on open source software (OSS) and helped quite a bit in clearing the myth that the immediate adoption of Linux may be the solution to India’s problems. As V Chandrashekhar, global head of s-governance practice, TCS, explains: “Linux use has increased as a result of the economic downturn and the decrease in perceived difficulty in using it. Linux is the de facto standard in embedded systems and in areas of high-end computing -- but it will be some time before it gets popular at the desktop level. ” The low cost Linux advantage is what may make it acceptable to small and medium size businesses (SMEs) for accessing web servers, mail servers, and other technologies. Open source code, besides makes it more acceptable in high-end computing areas such as software development, genome unravelling, etc, and in areas where security is paramount -- say, the IT operations of the defence forces. But the common view that anyone who hasn’t been exposed to any operating system, for instance Windows, may be a potential user of Linux may not be true as of now. D S Pandit, who heads the information systems at the Municipal Corporation of Delhi is an example. “I got a free CD at a conference in Goa on Linux software for desktops. It took my IT department 10 days to download it and even after that I didn’t find it easy to use.” For instance, the fact that files created on Star Office sometimes cannot be read on Windows is a disadvantage. “This is an issue that only Microsoft can deal with,” says Sandeep Menon, Linux Business Manager, IBM Asean/SA. And it’s unlikely that Microsoft will deal with it in a hurry. Sanjeev Mathur, who heads marketing at Microsoft India, explains that the eco-system that Microsoft had created around its products include pre- and post-sales services and academic institutions to develop skills around Microsoft products. “It’s an eco-system that Linux can’t match,” Mathur says. And there’s no reason why Microsoft should include competing Linux software in that eco-system. A Nasscom report too which talks about the “silent Linux movement” in India admits that “while Linux is gaining stature, it is a fact that currently, the OS is an add-on to existing platforms within user organisations. Analysts also point out that Linux is still largely at the departmental and file or print server stage rather than at the mission critical database server level.” The report also points out that Linux deployments are confined predominantly to the server end with less action at the desktop level and that “this factor too will impede Linux’s rapid fire expansion in the Indian market.” However, speaker after speaker at the conference spoke about a revolution of sorts. “It’s like the flower power movement of the Seventies,” said Menon, who exhorted the government to “define open standards in public sector procurement as a matter of policy”. Menon would also like government departments to encourage their staff to experiment with Linux, and evaluate Linux as part of the national IT, R&D and economic development strategies. But it might be some time before that happens. The Nasscom report talks about e-governance projects on the anvil in many states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra. But the fact is that most of these are just pilot projects. According to Chandrashekhar, TCS has about 10 e-governance projects in various states, but he says only 20 per cent of the solutions used would be Linux-based. Linux has its drawbacks, he says. “There is a lack of accountability because there are many bunches of developers with all kinds of offers. Also there is a reduced set of supporting hardware and business applications, a lack of guidelines, limitations regarding some high end operations, and limitations of user competence.” The common refrain at the seminar was that Linux gave one the opportunity to work with open source code, until one government official piped up: “Why would I need open source code? What do I do with it when I don’t have the skills to modify it?” Open source code does have its uses -- in high security environments where you can customise security requirements. For software developers and in areas of high-end computing too, there’s a lot of advantage in having open source software because it ensures flexibility in using the software. So doesn’t Linux have much prospects in India? It sure does, but only if its introduced at the school level so that future generations can grow up working on Linux, a government official felt. Worldwide, there are many governments that have adopted a policy of using Linux. Germany, Taiwan, China and many other countries in the Asia Pacific region are encouraging the use of Linux and have announced many initiatives based on open source software. In India, it’s seen as a slower movement that will grow in size gradually. “A host of companies in India have extended support to Linux, in line with global strategies and initiatives undertaken by them in the open source space,” says Nasscom. Already leading IT vendors such as Oracle, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Wipro, Integra Microsystems and Veritas have developed products for the Linux platform. According to Nasscom, many of India’s 450,000 to 600,000 software developers who create solutions for the export market are getting onto the Linux bandwagon. All these companies have a separate set of Linux strategies for the Indian market. Red Hat’s also working overtime to increase Linux’s reach in India by working closely with government agencies such as NIC, ERDCI, IITs, NCST, MIT, etc , to develop applications on Linux. It’s also put in place a network of training partners and is now offering courses in over 100 centres in India. And though government officials are still sceptical and look at it as a “hype created by a group of MNCs”, it may be just a matter of time before the movement picks up. ====================================================== Posted by N.S. Soundara Rajan, Freelance IT Correspondent, Mysore, India

1 0

volunteers login
by Sam 01 Jun '03

01 Jun '03

hi, i have been trying to login to volunteer's page for last 2 weeks, but it doesn't seem to be up yet! when will it be online again? Sameer

1 0

Re: Linux users stats for India
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 30 May '03

30 May '03

Would anyone have suggestions for my journalist colleague? FN On Fri, 30 May 2003, Keya Acharya wrote: > Hi Fred, > I'm doing a story for Panos on the usage of opensource and proprietory software, and was wanting to know what percentage of computer-users in India use Linux right now. Safe to say 2% ? Any numbers you can give me ? > Thanks a lot, Keya > Ms. Keya Acharya > Journalist > B 122 Century Park > 48 Richmond Road > Bangalore 560 035 > India. > > Ph: +91 80 5594597 > Fax: +91 80 559 9745 > email: keyaa(a)vsnl.com > -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frederick Noronha (FN) | http://www.fredericknoronha.net Freelance Journalist | http://www.bytesforall.org http://goalinks.pitas.com | http://joingoanet.shorturl.com http://linuxinindia.pitas.com | http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks ------------------------------------------------------------------------- T: 0091.832.2409490 or 2409783 M: 0 9822 122436 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

INTERVIEW: Free software carnival... LatinAm FLOSS
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 30 May '03

30 May '03

FREE SOFTWARE CARNIVAL: Latin America takes to FLOSS in a big way... Latin America seems like a world away. But Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) there is growing much like in South Asia, and arguably, better. Recently, a study of FLOSS in that part of the word pointed to the contribution of GNOME (started in 1997 by Mexican devloper Miguel de Icaza), Brazil's Sorceforge-like Codigolivre.org.br portal site, the simple UTUTO distro from Argentina, and the widely-popular PHP-Nuke content management system from Francisco Burzi of Venezuela. This distant continent has also challenged the role of proprietorial software and Microsoft (as done by Peru), and come up with interesting university-based software solutions (see www.univates.br) from Brazil. For instance, the Brazilian UNIVATES says it has saved more than R$500,000 (about US$ 130,000) by *not* acquiring copies of proprietary software for servers and desktops. It saves R$200,000 (US$70,000) each year on software upgrades and maintenance. This is enough to pay the salaries of the development group. Meaning, Univates can effectively produce technology for its own use (and which others can also make use of) at virtually no cost! To understand the larger canvas of the Free Software scene in Latin America, FREDERICK NORONHA <fred at bytesforall.org> spoke to Cesar Brod (39). Brod <cesar at brod.com.br> is vice-president of the Brazilian free software cooperative SOLIS (Cooperativa de Solucoes Livres). More importantly, he coordinated the Latin American leg of a recent Finland-conducted study on the significance of Free/Libre and Open Source Software for the developing countries. After studying Physics at the University of Sao Paulo and the Federal University of Rio Grande de Sul, he dropped out of college to enter the exciting world of software at a young age. "I abandoned university because I was travelling too much," he recalls. Getting involved with computers at the age of 20, he started work with multinationals, and shifted from being a hardware analyst to being a software programmer. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- To start with Cesar, could you give us an overview of what's happening on the Free Software front in Latin America? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- I think almost every country (in Latin America) offers a very good story on Free Software. They have very good projects, but the only thing that is actually missing is communication -- people talking with each other about what exactly they have. For instance, you have in Peru, a very good start-up project, which is an ERP for rural agriculture and the environment. This is some kind of thing that is exactly needed all over Latin America, and probably for every Third World country. But the people just dont know about it. In the meantime, this software is very localised. So, the way it is, it won't serve other countries. But with very little effort, and probably very little financing too, it could be adapted to fit a lot of other geographies. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Can you give us some other examples of interesting projects you came across in the course of your recent study on FLOSS (Free/Libre and Open Source Software) in Latin America? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- One of the most interesting ones was the FreeMed Project from Cuba. Its a very simple project. It just aims to establish a network connection between doctors in several different hospitals, in order to share information and diagnostics about people and diseases. Another good one is the Free Education Network that was put together by the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. It's using Free Software to teach young people how to use computers, how to do their Math, and actually to use Free Software as a learning aid for all their first grade disciplines. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Which countries, in your view, are the best off in this field in Latin America? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- In terms of Free Software production, Brazil. In terms of software projects allying with the GNU project, it would be Mexico, with Chile getting very close. In terms of a user community, Uruguay has a lot to teach us. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you see some Latin American countries lagging behind? Why? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The truth is I don't know if they are really lacking, or they are simply not communicating enough. For instance, in the first version of my report, I have nothing about Chile. And when the people in Chile got to know what I was doing, they collaborated with a wonderful report, and they actually have a lot of things going on which I was not aware of. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- In terms of revving up the FLOSS engine for take off, what is it that is actually required on the ground in any Latin American country? Is it a good technical base, access to the Internet, the ability of keeping in touch with the outside world, or what? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thats a very good question. I think if you just give computers to the people and just some base training -- very little basic training -- you'll be amazed by the kind of progress that can be made. I'm basing my reply on one experiment done in Uruguay, by MIT professor Etienne Delacroix. He has his programming-and-art workshop, where he introduces people to computers in a very artistic way. For instance, he asks people how can you be sure that this motherboard will work once we know how a hair-drier works... and he compares the small streams of energy that goes into the mother-board with the electric plug of the hair-drier. And he asks people to identify where the big rivers of energy inside those small streams of the motherboard are located. By doing that, he makes people peep into a motherboard, and get it working... and just by doing that he gets people together with technology. People who even lacked access to that kind of technology before. And after a couple of weeks, those people would be programming in C language. So, what's missing is (the means) to re-connect people with technology. The Third World is a technology consumer; once you reconnect people with technology youll see a lot of good things happening. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- What are the three best things that Free Software can give to Latin America that proprietorial software cannot? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Technology independence, regional development. (After some thought) its knowledge-freedom actually.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------- What would you see as the main roadblocks that stop FLOSS from getting ahead in Latin America? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proprietorial software lobbying, meaning actually Microsoft lobbying. There's also fear of the perception of the unknown technology. You can't say the technology is unknown (but that's the perception created). And, still, the lack of support. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- What does Latin America have to give to the rest of the Free/Libre and Open Source Software world? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- I think we have already given a lot of good examples (laughs). Just to give one, the Gnome platform. Then, there's the PHP Nuke project. And a lot of KDE-standard tools that are coming out from Chile and Brazil. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- While studying the contribution of Latin America, what did you learn? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- That we have been reinventing the wheel in so manycountries that we have been researching. We should communicate a lot more. Actually for a community that lives on the Internet, it's amazing that we still dont know enough about each other's projects. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do tell us about UNIVATES and yourself? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNIVATES is a very small university centre in the south of Brazil, and I work for them as the technical consultant. Probably because they are so little and don't have any money, it's a community-owned university. That means we have to be very creative in terms of technology adoption. That's why, in 1999, I have started for them the Free Software Project that ended up in several products to be used inside the university. That became quite popular, initially all over Brazil and now, in the Mercosur (the Southern Cone countries). (See http://www.univates.br/freesoftware) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- And about yourself? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- I got to know of Linux just by chance in 1993 -- the kernel and the GNU tools. At that time, I needed a Unix to run in my notebook as I was supporting a customer far from where I was living, and didn't want to travel that much. But a SCO/UNIX license was too expensive. Since then, I have been using Free Software and doing some consulting jobs on that. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Has it made a difference to the way you work and think? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's interesting to think about that. I pretty much left the centre of the country, Sao Paulo and Rio, where you make the big bucks, and have moved back to the city where I was born. My life is a lot cheaper... and I have a lot more fun. I started using Free Software because I didn't want to travel; in the past year it took me to Finland and Sweden twice. (ENDS) -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frederick Noronha (FN) | http://www.fredericknoronha.net Freelance Journalist | http://www.bytesforall.org http://goalinks.pitas.com | http://joingoanet.shorturl.com http://linuxinindia.pitas.com | http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks ------------------------------------------------------------------------- T: 0091.832.2409490 or 2409783 M: 0 9822 122436 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

President of India - Think different
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 29 May '03

29 May '03

<http://presidentofindia.nic.in/S/html/speeches/others/may28_2003_2.htm> a quote Think different I would like to narrate an event that took place in Rashtrapati Bhavan a few months back when I met Bill Gates, the CEO of Microsoft. While walking in the Mughal garden, we were discussing the future challenges in Information Technology including the issues related to software security. I made a point that we look for open source codes so that we can easily introduce the users built security algorithms. Our discussions became difficult since our views were different. The most unfortunate thing is that India still seems to believe in proprietary solutions. Further spread of IT which is influencing the daily life of individuals would have a devastating effect on the lives of society due to any small shift in the business practice involving these proprietory solutions. It is precisely for these reasons open source software need to be built which would be cost effective for the entire society. In India, open source code software will have to come and stay in a big way for the benefit of our billion people. I2IT has to play a major role in this national mission.

1 0

Take on Gates, Kalam tells Indian techies
by Raj Mathur 29 May '03

29 May '03

[Cross-posted] Take on Gates, Kalam tells Indian techies TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2003 11:31:30 PM ] PUNE: A few months after a disagreement with Microsoft CEO Bill Gates on the issue of software security, President A P J Abdul Kalam on Wednesday called on Indian IT professionals to specialise in open source software rather than relying on proprietary solutions. Full story at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?msid=477… (URL may wrap) -- Raju -- Raj Mathur raju(a)kandalaya.org http://kandalaya.org/ GPG: 78D4 FC67 367F 40E2 0DD5 0FEF C968 D0EF CC68 D17F It is the mind that moves

6 5

FSF India goes proprietary?
by H S Rai 29 May '03

29 May '03

Following mail is in circulation on various GLUGs/Lugs. Please do some image building excercise. -- H.S.Rai http://www.grex.org/~hsrai | Registered Linux User # 223684 http://counter.li.org/cgi-bin/runscript/display-person.cgi?user=223684 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Hi, Today I received a mail from FSF India list about a new logo for FSF India. Curious to see how this fine logo was produced using free software i checked it up using pdfinfo, here is the result [raj@swathi fsf]$ wget -q http://gnu.org.in/graphics/FSFIndia.pdf [raj@swathi fsf]$ pdfinfo FSFIndia.pdf Title: FSFIndia.pdf Creator: Adobe Illustrator 9.0 Producer: Adobe PDF library 4.800 CreationDate: Sat Apr 26 04:18:34 2003 Tagged: no Pages: 1 Encrypted: no Page size: 595.275 x 841.89 pts File size: 56828 bytes Optimized: no PDF version: 1.3 I was shocked and surprised at this blatant use of proprietary software by FSF India. Now cu rious to see if this is an aberration or a practice, I checked other posters from the site. [raj@swathi fsf]$ wget -q http://gnu.org.in/graphics/poster01.jpg [raj@swathi fsf]$ ./jhead -v poster01.jpg Exif header 5530 bytes long <snip> Software = "Adobe Photoshop 7.0?" DateTime = "2003:03:18 15:14:43?" <snip> nuff said, but insults to Stallman and FSF do not end here, The text in poster5, http://gnu.org.in/graphics/poster05.jpg asks all of us to use "Linux" that too in bold red colour. It is also a good exercise to check other pdfs in that page. I do not want to make any comments about the hypocrisy of FSF India, as facts speak for themselves. But one thing is sure, people responsible for this have no clue about the principals of Free Software or GNU project or are least bothered about all that. If there is some one in FSF india who care about the stuff written in the posters please bring out a public apology for doing exactly opposite of what you all have been preaching for long and redo all the graphics using free software. raj PS: The pages referred here are from http://gnu.org.in/graphics/. I know this is a bit off topic here, but the main FSF list do not tolerate any critisism of FSF India.

3 2

LINK: Free Software news... from Brazil
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 29 May '03

29 May '03

UNIVATES, a university centre committed to Free Software development HIGHER education institutions aim at the advancement of human knowledge and the dissemination of such knowledge. Free software is completely aligned with this task. UNIVATES, a university centre located in the city of Lajeado, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), has adopted Free Softwareas the basis for its intranet/Internet servers since 1997. BY END 1999, Univates started the development of SAGU (Portuguese acronym for Sistema Aberto de Gestao Unificada, or Open Unified Management System). SAGU went live in July 2000 and is now responsible for managing the academic and financial relationships between students and the varsity. Incidentally, SAGU is also the name of a delicious local dessert! EVEN BEFORE SAGU went live, Univates demonstrated its commitment to Free Software development by publishing the full source code of SAGU on the Internet, allowing the coders' community to see it evolving. It also provided technology-transfer workshops. UNIVATES has saved more than R$500,000 (about US$ 130,000) by *not* acquiring copies of proprietary software for servers and desktops. It saves R$200,000 (US$70,000) each year on software upgrades and maintenance. This is enough to pay the salaries of the development group. Meaning, Univates can effectively produce technology for its own use (and which others can also make use of) at virtually no cost! THE UNIVATES IT Group is now recognised as the most important centre of excellence in Free Software development in Brazil. SOME OF ITS projects: o MIOLO, a set of PHP-based object-oriented database connectors, handlers and presentation features that allow fast system development even for the most complex needs It handles transaction and communication between modules written using MIOLO, thus making life easier for a programmer who wants to build a system with several interdependent modules. http://miolo.codigolivre.org.br o EasyPHP: a no-database, hassle-free tool for creating simple web presence with an easy-to-use administrative tool. o QUALITAS: document control for quality management systems o PILA, bookstore system with front-end point-of-sales, stock, catalog and financial sales reports. o FRED (content management system), a full-featured system for creating services portals for MIOLO-based applns. o IRRATIONAL TULIP: A group of classes and tools for MIOLO application development, such as dia2sql (converts database diagrams into SQL database creates and inserts), MIOLO-IDE (an IDE for developing GTK applications using MIOLO). o CODIGOLIVRE2: Hosting and tools for cooperatively developed Free Software.A MIOLO version of the existing http://codigolivre.org.br (a SourceForge Brazilian fork maintained by UNIVATES). o SCOTTY, support calls and customer relationship tracking, management and statics system. GNUTECA http://gnuteca.codigolivre.org.br GNUTECA is a library automation and catalog-collaboration system. It includes a circulation control system and, when used in an educational institution, it integrates with SAGU (though it also works as a standalone). It is intended to go a step further from the existing (gratis, but not Free Software) UNESCO CDS/ISIS program, and it does provide an easy migration path from it. GNUTECA adheres to all widely-used library standards. It now handles over 80,000 library items offered to over 6,000 students and teachers. GNUDATA http://gnudata.codigolivre.org.br This started as the database support for their regional database which provides demographic and economic information of 40 cities in the Taquari River Valley. It is a database framework for implementing nearly every kind of database in which you need to get comparative/statistical information (demographics, etc). It has a 'query auto-pilot' which allows non-technical users to drill down the database searching for all kinds of stored data. It does percentages and other calculations which the user may want to include in queries. The development version also provides graphics. SAGU - Free Software for academic administration http://sagu.codigolivre.org.br It automates the relationship between students and their educational institution, from the moment a student enrols for an entrance exam until she graduates. SAGU subsystems try to mimic the functions of the university. So it has modules that handle the entrance exam (optical reading of the student's answers, classification, classroom assignment), the enrolment process (which courses the student may chose for a given term, pre-requisites), the academic data (grades, academic history), financial and accounting data (payments, credits, scholarships, interface with the bank and other accounting/ERP systems) and reporting tools. Today, SAGU is being rewritten using Object Orientation techniques... (MIOLO is also the Portuguese word for the inner part of the bread, as well as a brand of a very fine wine produced in southern Brazil!) AGATA REPORT http://agata.codigolivre.org.br Agata Report is a report generator with an EIS tool (graph generation) written in PHP-GTK that allows you to edit and get SQL results from several databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, SyBase, MS-SQL, FrontBase, Informix, and InterBase). It connects to a database, lists its tables and fields, and allows you to link among tables... The result is exported to a PostScript, text file or spreadsheets. It's interface has English, Portuguese, Italian, French, German and Swedish support.... More details from Cesar Brod <cesar at brod.com.br> www.univates.br or sagu at univates.br -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frederick Noronha (FN) | http://www.fredericknoronha.net Freelance Journalist | http://www.bytesforall.org http://goalinks.pitas.com | http://joingoanet.shorturl.com http://linuxinindia.pitas.com | http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks ------------------------------------------------------------------------- T: 0091.832.2409490 or 2409783 M: 0 9822 122436 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

Updated Graphics
by Kanti Jadia 29 May '03

29 May '03

The FSF-India's proposed logo has been updated. http://www.gnu.org.in/graphics/ Everybody is requested to submit their comments. regards Kanti

4 6

Re: [LIG] FSF India goes proprietary
by Raj Mathur 29 May '03

29 May '03

[Misposted to fsf-friends, resending] >>>>> "Raj" == s raj <Raj> writes: Raj> Hi, Today I received a mail from FSF India list about a new Raj> logo for FSF India. Curious to see how this fine logo was Raj> produced using free software i checked it up using pdfinfo, Raj> here is the result Raj> [stuff about Adobe tools being used to produce pdf anf jpegs snipped] Actually none of those documents has bee produced by FSF, India or other. They are all contributed by individuals, on the invitation of FSF-India to make appropriate posters, logos, etc. I guess you could carry advocacy/fanaticism to the point of not accepting any document (which includes pdfs and graphics) that has been produced using proprietary tools, but it'd be a bit extreme IMO. Similarly, the Kandalaya logo was produced by a professional using Adobe Photoshop. I have no compunctions in putting it up on my web site, even though I myself wouldn't use Photoshop (and not just because I don't even know how to draw a circle in Gimp either!) Regards, -- Raju -- Raj Mathur raju(a)kandalaya.org http://kandalaya.org/ GPG: 78D4 FC67 367F 40E2 0DD5 0FEF C968 D0EF CC68 D17F It is the mind that moves ------------------------------------------------------- This SF.net email is sponsored by: ObjectStore. If flattening out C++ or Java code to make your application fit in a relational database is painful, don't do it! Check out ObjectStore. Now part of Progress Software. http://www.objectstore.net/sourceforge _______________________________________________ Linux-india-general mailing list Linux-india-general(a)lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/linux-india-general

4 5

[urgent] Free Software Support organisation
by Arun M 28 May '03

28 May '03

Hi, Projects like IT@School initially went for proprietary platforms. But efforts of FSF India and other initerested people have helped to bring in some changes. Project Akshya and IT@School is now considering Free Software. And a lot of request for Free Software support organisations comes in these days. We need to make a list of organisation providing support for Free Software in different parts of Kerala. So if you are an organisation willing to provide professional support mainly training, installation and maintenance of GNU/Linux systems please provide me following details. 1. Contact 2. Type of service provided 3. Manpower available 4. Experience 5. Districts where service can be provided. Pls treat this as urgent and provide the information. Arun.

1 0

[Fsf-friends] LINKS: Enterprise GNU/Linux implementation (Mumbai, June 12-13)
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 27 May '03

27 May '03

ENTERPRISE GNU / LINUX IMPLEMENTATION Hotel ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton, Mumbai June 12 & 13, 2003 Day One Thursday, June 12, 2003 09:15: GNU/LINUX -- GENESIS & ITS PRESENT RELEVANCE * Free Software Paradigm vs. Proprietary Software Paradigm * Fundamental Difference: o Is software a goods or a service? o Copy able and non-copy able resources * Ethics & Business Model for copy able resources * Creativity, Hacking & Publishing * Users' right to repair * What is the meaning of 'free' in free software? * The genesis of Free Software: 1984 to today * The birth of GNU/Linux * Why is GNU/Linux Relevant? o Stability o Security o Virus Free o Open Standards o Economical o Social Relevance o Ethics & Economics o Education o Owned & Regulated by the community * Is it legal to sell free software? o Sell software with the source code * Free software in India Dr. Nagarjuna G Director (Free Software Foundation, India), Academic Member (HBCSE) 10:00: GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES Dr. S. Ramakrishna, Senior Director, Ministry of IT 11:00: OPEN SOURCE ENTERPRISE SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE * Current trends and landscape of non-proprietary software * 'Open source', 'free software', 'GNU Public license' - Explained * Industry trends in adoption of non-proprietary software in large enterprises and organization � benefits and challenges * Role of open source / non-proprietary software, including Linux, in the enterprise architecture planning in the near and medium-term future. * Defining Enterprise Architectures involving structured moves towards increasing use of non-proprietary software. * Strategies for enterprise architecture planning and experiences in adopting Linux and other non-proprietary software in complex settings * State of the industry in 'enterprise strength non-proprietary software architectures' Dr. Gautam Shroff, Head: Enterprise Architecture, TATA Consultancy Services 12:00: ENTERPRISE STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES FOR LINUX MIGRATION 14.00: Strategies for Deploying Linux on Enterprise Servers Basant Kerketta, System Analyst The New India Assurance Co. Ltd. 14:45: LINUX IN AN ON-DEMAND ERA The emerging e-business on demand marketplace is resulting in heightened need for interoperability and standardization within the IT infrastructure that supports it. Linux shines out in this regard, because of it's unique ability to run across hardware platforms, right from embedded devices to the biggest mainframes in the business, as well as its ability to support a broad range of middleware, software and enterprise applications across the board. In this session the latest trends in Linux, as well as how it can used in various customer scenario's, to meet today's rigorous demands from cutting edge technology will be discussed Sandeep Menon, Linux Business Manager � ASEAN/SA, IBM India Ltd. 15:45 :Linux Usage in an Online Environment G.M. Shenoy, Sr. Vice President, NSE.IT 16.30 :Deploying GNU / Linux Abhijit Dasgupta, VP: IT, Times of India Group Day Two Friday, June 13, 2003 09.15: Deploying GNU / Linux in a Multi User / Multi Environment Dr. G. Sivakumar, Head: Computer Centre, IIT, Mumbai 10.00: Deploying Financial and HR applications on Linux Platform * The background under which we went in for the HR and Financial applications * WHat OS oprtions were available to us * Why we chose Linux over others * What were the concerns * How we addressed these concerns * What was�our experience with Linux implementation� (what were the issues that we faced and how we resoved them) Neeraj Bhai, CTO, IDBI Bank 11.00 State of the Dolphin Gerardo Narvaja , MySQL AB 12:00: COST EFFECTIVE SUPER COMPUTING FOR THE ENTERPRISE An alternative to traditional supercomputing is a method of linking multiple computers together to form a unified and very powerful system.. Beowulf clusters are specialized supercomputers that are gaining popularity in the technical and enterprise computing market because of their high performance at a relatively low cost * Evolution of Supercomputing * Details of Beowulf Clustering and how to select the right cluster for your application * Designing a linux cluster * Network Interconnects * Storage management * Cluster Management and Monitoring * Scalabiltiy , Reliability and Availability. * Area of Applications * Case studies on price performance gain with clusters Narayanan Subramaniam, Technical Head Benz Infotech Consultancy Services 14:00: LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF NON-PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE * The Alternative Intellectual Property of OSS * The Legal innovation involved in Open Source Software * Legal Validity of the GPL: Is the GPL legally enforceable? * Understanding the differences between the various licensing options available within the Open Souce Movement � the Free Software v. Open Source Debate * Survey of cases / judicial developments in the area Lawrance Liang, Legal Researcher, ALF 14.45 Deploying GNU/LINUX in eGovernance N. C. Nagarjuna Reddy Officer on Special Duty IG Registration & Stamps, Govt. Of A. P. 16:00: LINUX ON THE DESKTOP Breach Candy hospital runs a totally integrated hospital information system that runs on a Linux platform for both backend and front-end operations. Mr. Desai would discuss the implementation strategies and how this has benefited the hospital. Dilip Desai, Head IT, Breach Candy Hospital 16:20 GNU / Linux Deployment for the Enterprise � Indian Scenario * Is GNU / Linux Enterprise Ready ? * Economic viability of Linux implementation for the Enterprise. * Factors to be considered before deploying Linux in organizations. * Infrastructure Requirement. * Migration Challenges - Windows to Linux * Legal aspects of GNU / Linux Service providers. * Long term and short-term financial viability. * Evaluating economic viability of desktop implementation of GNU / Linux MODERATOR: Prakash Advani, Sr. VP, Netcore Solutions Pvt. Ltd. * Dilip Desai, Head: IT, Breach Candy Hospital * Shashank Sathe, CIO, Repro India Co-Sponsors: Benz Infotech Consultancy Services Official Publications: Linux For You More information, contact: HASHIM POONAWALA T: +91-22-2828 1301 F: +91-22-2828 1305 E: hashim at marcusevansin.com

1 0

[Fwd: [Fsf-friends] [Fwd: Kudumbasree]]
by Arun M 26 May '03

26 May '03

Hi, Kudumbasree is organising workshop in Wayanad and would like to have some one for introducing GNU/Linux. The workshop will be on 29th at Sultan Batheri. Any volunteers ? expenses will be covered. regards, arun. Workshops in Trivandrum and Ernakulam(thanks to Balakrishnan and Pai) went well, so we can expect a lot more schools going for GNU/Linux. May be Kerala will soon become state with maximum GNU/Linux literacy. Training session for around 80 people are organised from 28th at Malappuram. This is being done part of Akshya project.

1 0

Project Shiksha: Microsoft widens presence
by Arun M 25 May '03

25 May '03

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/05/14/stories/2003051402841600.htm <snip> World software major Microsoft is acquiring a more visible presence in India in areas outside the pale of its everyday business. Six months after Bill Gates' sanctioned a Rs. 2,000 crore investment over three years in social and software development sectors, senior company officials today asserted that the plans were firmly on track. Kerala and Uttaranchal, they said, would be the first two beneficiary States of project Shiksha — its plan to accelerate computer literacy by inculcating IT skills to over 80,000 teachers and 35 lakh students. Kerala for its obvious high literacy rate and Uttaranchal for the pleasant experience of `Teach the future' programme conducted jointly with Intel. </snip> Seems that Kerala will become battleground again ;) M$ is not going to have a very good time here. arun.

3 4

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

Fsf-friends