CNET: Linux Makes a Run for Government

“A technology policy think tank is campaigning to win Linux a
greater role in government by offering to act as a central
repository for a federally certified version of the open-source
operating system.

“The Cyberspace Policy Institute, established a decade ago at
George Washington University, plans to push for Linux to be
certified under the Common Criteria, a standard grading of
technology required by the United States and other countries before
products can be sold into sensitive government applications.

“If successful, the initiative would lead to a single, standard
version of Linux acceptable to the government, and hence make it
easier for Linux companies to compete against Microsoft and other
large software makers. Certification costs anywhere from $100,000
to millions of dollars and takes up to five years–Microsoft is
just finishing the certification of Windows 2000–but the effort
could be a boon for Linux companies…”

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