“Yesterday, retired general Colin Powell and Oracle founder and
CEO Larry Ellison presented 1,100 new Linux-based Internet
computers to the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). The
presentation took place at Booker T. Washington High School, once
an all-black school in a segregated school system and now a
nationally known magnet school for the visual and performing
arts.”
“Powell and Ellison came together as the result of linked
promises they had made through the America’s Promise and Oracle’s
Promise programs. Powell, who chairs America’s Promise, and
Ellison, who started Oracle’s Promise to support Powell’s efforts,
intend to provide computers for use in schools in low-income
neighborhoods across the country. The event yesterday at Booker T.
Washington also celebrated the addition of 23 schools to the list
of those where Powell’s and Ellison’s promises have been kept.”
“Reuben Bohuchot, chief technology officer for the DISD, oversaw
the 50-machine pilot program conducted at Booker T. Washington and
is directing the installation of the remaining 1,100 machines
within the DISD. Reuben said that the DISD does not currently
use Linux except in the computers provided by Oracle, but that the
district is looking at replacing Microsoft software with Linux and
StarOffice.”