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AGENCIES LEAVING WINDOWS FOR OPEN-SOURCE LINUX

We've Heard Linux Is Secure, but Is It Good for National Security?

Cuba is dumping Microsoft in favor of Linux in many of its government ministries. According to the country's communications minister, it's not just a matter of saving money or avoiding vendor lock-in, it's also about national security. In a recent speech, the minister registered concern over Microsoft's cooperation with the U.S. military. Pundits also made much of Free Software Foundation founder Richard Stallman's recent visit to Cuba. Opinion among industry analysts, including Rob Enderle and Bernard Golden, is decidely mixed. Despite the communication minister's comments, at least one observer opines that governments that move to Linux are motivated by two things: saving on software licensing costs and getting out from under Microsoft's monopoly.

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It looks like Linux is getting popularity day by day.
Obvious reasons for Government agencies to look out for Linux are:
1. secure application as its source is known to them
2. vendor lock-in can be avoided. Agencies are owner of their software and systems, instead of original seller
3. open source is much cheaper than licensed softwares. Also they have sufficient technical staff to cover administration and technical stuff which a normal user finds difficult.

One million dollar question though: When Indian government will take a lead in open source implementation across all government agencies?

vinayakpatil's picture