[PLUG] On The Radar

[Cooper Stevenson]

All,

Microsoft issued a bulletin to their "Freedom to Monopolize" _ahem_
"Freedom to Innovate" web site yesterday. The bulletin is as follows:

"Open Source Software Procurement Preferences

A small number of state legislators have introduced legislation that
would require state governments to consider open source software when
acquiring new software, and provide justification for using proprietary
software products, including Microsoft's. Proposed legislation in Oregon
(House Bill 2892) and Texas (Senate Bill 1579) seeks to establish a
procurement bias for open source software, which would hurt competition
and innovation in the software industry. Similar legislation will likely
be introduced in other states as well. For more information on the
procurement debate, visit the Initiative for Software Choice."

You can view the posting here:

http://www.microsoft.com/freedomtoinnovate/newsletter/finnews_032503.asp
  
Here's Microsoft's chance to really shine. This is their opportunity to
truly justify their "innovation" as Government IT decision makers put
into writing justification for Microsoft's products in terms of value
for the people of Oregon. I would be absolutely astounded if Microsoft
or the so-called "Initiative For Software Choice" fought this bill.

I am somewhat concerned with their statement that this bill, "...seeks
to establish a procurement bias for open source [sic] software..."
perhaps they've simply misunderstood this bill.

The good news is is that this Open Source consideration legislation is
catching on. Like Ken Barber says, "...like a grass fire." I've just
received an email from a member of the Washentaw Linux User's Group
asking how he can get this kind of legislation to the Michigan's House
of Representatives.

I'll keep you posted.


Cooper Stevenson
MWVLUG Coordinator
Em:  cooper at cooper.stevenson.name
Www: http://www.mwvlug.org