“At first glance, closed, uptight, communist China and open,
free, libertarian Linux make a strange pair. But Linux
computer-operating software is gaining favour in China and could
ease the country’s fears of foreign domination and what it sees as
security risks–specifically with Microsoft Windows. In addition,
the new kid on the software block could speed the entry of China’s
fledgling computer industry into the global software
market….”
“Part of Linux’s appeal for China is the chance to catch this
wave early. “There’s an opportunity for China to play a significant
role in the Linux world,” says Dan Kusnetzky, director of
operating-system and server research at International Data Corp. “I
think there’s an opportunity for them to add significant value.
That certainly could allow China to take its place on the world
stage as a software-producing country.”
“Several domestic Chinese versions of Linux, two of them
backed by government agencies, are already on the market. Linux
development was the only software project on a list of the
government’s top technology priorities published last year.
Linux software is widely praised in the Chinese press while
Microsoft is frequently criticized. “The Chinese have long been
dissatisfied with Microsoft and its operating system, but have had
to wait until a better alternative came along,” the Shenzhen
Special Zone Daily wrote in January. “With the dawn of a new
century, an alternative is making its entrance in the form of
Linux, and is making many Chinese optimistic about the future.”