IDG.net.nz: Letter urges govt to put faith in Linux

"As the Education Ministry enters into a $10 million deal with Microsoft to supply software to the country's schools, the open source movement is stepping up pressure on the government to use free software.

Open source proponents have sent an open letter to ministers Paul Swain, Pete Hodgson and Trevor Mallard, whose portfolios relate to technology, urging government agencies to adopt the Linux operating system. Signatories to the letter total more than 30 people, some who sell open source products and services and staff from universities, design companies, energy companies and crown research institutes.

The letter points out that the governments of France, Brazil, Mexico and China are considering legislation which favours open source software and says open source supporters would welcome the opportunity to present the capabilities of open source software to the government as well as their ability to support it."

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