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August 24, 2005
South Africa Turns to Open Source
South Africa will join Brazil, China, and several other governments in developing countries in Asia that are mandating the use of open-source software.
Government representatives attending the final day of the Go Open Source conference in Johannesburg will hear from a number of open-source champions, including Internet billionaire Mark Shuttleworth.
According Shuttleworth, open source will allow South Africa to develop its own technology skills - instead of relying on expensive imports.
"Companies and countries that embrace open source can improve their efficiency and competitiveness," Shuttleworth told Business Day. "It drives skills creation, which is a fundamental challenge facing every country."
In developed countries, the private sector drives the use of Open Source Software to replace more expensive and less flexible branded software, Shuttleworth said. But in less developed countries the government must lead by using open source to educate young people and deliver services more efficiently.
The government gradually began using open source in 2003 when Microsoft presented it with a $74-million bill for 100,000 three-year licenses for operating systems, desktop suites, and several Internet technologies.
Located on the southern tip of the continent, South Africa, with its 44 million people, is a middle-income, emerging market with an abundant supply of natural resources. The country has well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors. And its stock exchange ranks among the 10 largest in the world.
Posted by admin at August 24, 2005 06:48 AM