---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Rony Bill ronbillypop@yahoo.co.uk To: "GNU/Linux Users Group, Mumbai, India" linuxers@mm.ilug-bom.org.in Date: Fri, 03 Jun 2005 22:06:45 +0530 Subject: [ILUG-BOM] Govt. not promoting linux Hello All,

I came across this article in the Asian Age about microsoft teaming up with the Uttaranchal Govt. to provide PCs with starter XP packs for all the Govt. employees on easy loans. Microsoft is also talking to other states to push its product. It is even trying to tie up with HCL and BSNL to introduce a joint offering for boradband users. Does this mean killing linux support???

The www.asianage.com http://www.asianage.com site says that it will not open without IE. So this is a link from times of india's site. http://infotech.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1131085.cms

I don't understand why the Govt. is not promoting open source software when their own prestigious organisation CDAC has been doing good work in this field to develop software in Indian languages.

I dont know if you know this or not but all the so called good work by CDAC has been a wastage of the precious resources of our country because all the work that they have done hasnt been released as open standards so in effect i pay them as a tax payer and the work that they do is not available to the public...

They have used the

ease opensource to provide new custom software for the rural areas. Then why is the Govt. not promoting the same among its employees. This will also bring down costs of the pcs and reduce dependence on software monopolisers. When we have talent in India, why scout for foreigners?

The information and technology ministry should follow some policy on promoting opensopurce software and also make it mandatory for every IT based service provider to provide support for linux platforms.

Regards,

Rony.

regards, Puneet