Software
A new wave of freedom
May 10-23, 2008, V. Sasi Kumar, Frontline.
This article provides an excellent introduction to the free software movement. It begins by explaining how, with the spread of computing, software became a commodity for which the users had to pay, unlike the initial days when it was available for free. The free software movement emerged as a powerful global response to this. The movement has influenced not just the way software is produced and used, but also the way scientific output is disseminated.
Open Source breaking barriers
February 13, 2008, Deccan Herald
The relationship between open source software and proprietary systems have often been a strained one. However, this situation is changing with the acknowledgment of the need for both types of systems to harmoniously co-exist.
Microsoft influencing partner NGOs to support OOXML in India
March 4, 2008, Mayank Sharma, Linux.com
The article profiles the recent activity on the part of Microsoft in garnering the support of NGOs for its Office Open XML specification. The way Microsoft has gone about getting NGOs to endorse its standard is questionable and is being contested by the proponents of the Open Document Format (ODF) as being unethical.
Taking sharing to the classroom: The case of FOSS in schools
Fredrick Noronha
This article by FOSS activist Fredrick Noronha gives a very practical insight into why schools in India should impart computer education based on the principles of free and open source software(FOSS). Apart from the regular reasons of cost and affordability, the ability to tweak with the source code and create new/modified versions of a particular piece of software are the main reasons why schools should actively promote deployment of FOSS. FOSS does not demand high end hardware configurations which result in lowered carbon footprints.
Open source divides IT industry
August 17, 2007, The Times of India
This article looks at the ongoing debate regarding adoption of Microsoft's OOXML standard as opposed to Open Document Format. It presents the views of IT majors in India on the topic, which is quite evenly divided.
An overview of the District Health Information System Software (DHISv1.3)
September 2005
An open source, user friendly, flexible freeware, the district health information systems software (DHIS) has been developed by the Health Information Systems Programme (HISP) for use in a public health MIS. DHIS supports functions of accurate and valid data collection, aggregation, storing, sharing, transmission, analysis, reporting, display and use of health data at and between every level of a local health system.
NKC for setting up web portals, GIS mapping: Sam Pitroda
E-Govrnment News
The National Knowledge Commission is concentrating on e-governance in their recommendations for implementing 10 new web portals and GIS mapping of India. These portals will be on various topics, such as energy, environment and knowledge network.
SMBs take to open source
June, 2006, Express Computer
This article discusses some reasons why Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) are using open source platforms. Lower acquisition costs combined with the ability to tweak the source code are identified as key factors.
