---

Tech Central Station: Two on Open Source in Government

[ Thanks to GNUTroll for these links.
]

Open Source and Its Enemies

“It should surprise nobody to learn that Bill Gates is not a fan
of Linux or open source software [OSS], for roughly the same reason
that light bulb manufacturers might resent sunny days. What ought
to be surprising is that many libertarian writers have recently
launched a series of vehement attacks against OSS, and especially
against proposals to preference open software in government
procurement. The most hysterical go so far as to characterize the
Open Source movement as socialist, though it is difficult to think
of a less apt description of the dynamic, decentralized, and
voluntary process by which OSS is developed.

“There are good reasons not to require state agencies to use OSS
under any and all circumstances. Government, after all, is not
supposed to be a software company, and it would be frivolous to
waste tax dollars writing an open source program for which a
reasonably priced proprietary alternative exists already. What,
though, is the problem with a policy of ‘affirmative action’ for
OSS, as we might call it–the sort of policy being considered in
much of Europe…?”


Complete Story

Open Agnostism

“The movement must be given due credit. Much fine software has
been developed by programmers at universities, governments, and
private companies, working cooperatively, either on their own time
or with the blessings of their employers. A large group of smart
people each devoting a small percentage of his time, linked by the
Internet, can be highly creative. The results offer many
possibilities for the future.

“But the elephant in the living room, seldom mentioned by OS
advocates, is that the programmers must be supported somehow.
Programming is hard work. It requires substantial investment in
human capital to get up to speed, and it requires continuing
support while the work is performed. Programmers are not sleeping
on steam grates and flipping hamburgers for a living while they
toil. They are paid, either directly for writing code or for some
other product that is sold on the market…”


Complete Story

Get the Free Newsletter!

Subscribe to Developer Insider for top news, trends, & analysis