The Age: Critics Draw Linux in the Sand over Microsoft

"Australia's federal and state governments are under fire for taking a blinkered approach to information technology spending--ignoring local companies and alternatives to Microsoft.

"Microsoft's grip on government IT spending has strengthened after it struck multi-million-dollar long-term deals with Canberra, the governments of Victoria, Queensland and South Australia and various government departments...

"According to the federal 'e-government' strategy, Better Services, Better Government, announced last week, Canberra will encourage trials of open-source software within the framework of fit-for-purpose and value-for-money..."

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Related Stories:

• The Age: AUUG Hails Govt Stance on Open Source(Nov 15, 2002)
• Sydney Morning Herald: Labor Backs Open Source Software for e-Government Projects(Nov 07, 2002)
• Australian IT: Alston Opens Agencies to Linux(Nov 06, 2002)