LinuxInsider: Massachusetts: State of Open Source

"Massachusetts' embrace of open technology, open standards and open source was simply routine strategic planning, the way Tim Vaverchack tells it. However, the state's stance to strongly consider alternatives to proprietary solutions--such as the Open Document Format--has fueled one of the biggest technology firestorms in government IT history.

"The controversy around Massachusetts and ODF, an open standards-based computer document alternative to Microsoft Office, resulted in the resignation of the state's former chief information officer. It has also triggered a tremendous amount of scrutiny--not only over Massachusetts' decision, but also over the adoption of open standards and open source by other states and governments, including foreign nations..."

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• eWeek: Massachusetts CIO Change Worries ODF Supporters(Oct 10, 2006)
• ConsortiumInfo: Louis Gutierrez Resigns: Deja Vu on Beacon Hill(Oct 05, 2006)
• ConsortiumInfo: Mass ITD Resolved Accessibility Issues, Adjusts ODF Rollout Details(Aug 23, 2006)
• ConsortiumInfo: Mass. IT Funding Bond Dies; Romney Seeks to Recall Legislature(Aug 02, 2006)