SchoolNet rebuffs M$ [LWN.net]

The SchoolNet Namibia project has released some of the correspondence between Microsoft and SchoolNet. "Based on your earlier blatant assertions, Microsoft is very keen on harnessing major publicity along the lines of "Microsoft replaces Linux at SchoolNet Namibia". I'm afraid that is simply not going to happen. I have, from the very beginning made it VERY clear that SchoolNet has NO desire to REPLACE Linux with Microsoft..." Thanks to Ashwin N

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SchoolNet rebuffs M$

Posted Nov 7, 2002 16:52 UTC (Thu) by wookey (guest, #5501) [Link]

This letter is marvellous to read if you want some evidence that the world really is starting to understand why free software is good.

I see more and more evidence that developing countries are understanding the underlying benefits of it. Schools and governments are organisations that stand to benefit hugely from free software and it's marvellous to see people like Joris Komen not being duped by an initial Microsoft freebie into giving all that away.

Even better that this is published online for all to see and learn from. Schools in the UK didn't understand what they were getting themselves into over the last few years and have largely backed themselves into an expensive Microsoft/RM corner. Smart ICT managers have now realised what they've done but it's much harder to extract themselves than it is for the Namibians not to make the same mistakes in the first place.

The tide really has turned. If we can avoid death by patent-suits and absolute DRM control, the world, particularly the poorer parts of it, stands to benefit enormously over the next few years.

Wookey