ZDNet: Why the Third World Won't Save Open Source

"The primary barrier to Linux growth is the cost of moving from a Windows ecosystem to a Linux ecosystem. Developing nations, however, have less existing IT infrastructure. Much as African nations are bypassing wired telecommunications and moving straight to wireless, why can’t developing nations bypass the Windows standard and grow a Linux ecosystem?

"First, don’t underestimate the installed IT base present in developing nations. Nations such as Brazil aren’t Zaire. Per capita GDP in Brazil is six times that of China, and over half of the Czech Republic..."

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