[ Thanks to Tom
Adelstein for this submission. ]
Dear Tomas:
This is just a note to let you know how things are going by
these days here in El Salvador. Also, as I told you.
To give you brief ideas about what can be done to implement
Linux as the alternative for Microsoft usage in this geographical
area.
The BSA campaign is still going on. I sent you a copy of the
newspapers on the very last day of the countdown to the fatal
deadline for licensing MS software.
Wide coverage of the situation is still on going on the news.
BSA sent a letter 3 months ago to 300 companies warning them to let
them know their situation regarding the licenses.
Three months later, only 17% of his companies ended getting a
license for MS. That speaks a lot about the small possibilities we
have in El Salvador to pay the high rates for software MS is asking
for.
BSA is complaining about for what they call the little support
our government is giving to their efforts.
Campaign on newspapers is still going on, strongest than ever.
BSA special prosecutors says that some law violators are now been
suited. Surprises are expected. Nobody is feeling OK with this, but
what can we do?
I sincerely hope the high level of support your articles arouse
last week on Linux news transform itself in a realistic and
effective support. I am looking forward to the day of your coming.
After several days of research I have found that the following
actions will be effective to accomplish Linux introduction to our
country:
1- Newspapers Advertising. Most include all the benefits of
Linux technology. An e-mail and a local telephone number where the
people who are interested can refer to in order to have information
an products.
2- An installed capacity to reproduce Linux materials. A good PC
and a good burner. High inventory of CD’s will be necessary.
3- A training center where people can go and be trained in the
software. Is good for you to know that in EVERY announcement on
newspapers requiring a person for a job, there is always a
requisite to be skilled in literally speaking- MS Office 2000
or 98. If somebody owns the software but does not have the training
the effort can be not enough.
4- A low cost Cybercoffee. Sponsored by Linux where for just a
few bucks students and other interested people can go a enjoy the
benefits of the web. That will create an excellent image for Linux.
Local Cybercoffee are really expensive and not everyone can afford
it.
5- To contact PC´s resellers and suggest they start to
sell computers using Linux as OS. They can improve their sales
because now is more expensive than ever to buy a PC for the
software license.
Because they have their own advertising Linux can take advantage
of this.
How can I do to raise funds to implement all this? Can you give
me some ideas?
I am willing to start as soon as I hear from you. I have found
some small groups disseminated in my city using Linux, and one in
our more respectable private University. I can start to make
contacts, but depend on you.
I am waiting for your answer.