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Bridges.NewsPress Release: open source vs. proprietary software study
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From: philipp schmidt <philipp@bridges.org>
To: news@bridges.org
Date sent: 15 Jan 2003 12:57:19 +0100
PRESS RELEASE
COMPARISON OF OPEN SOURCE VS. PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE IN AFRICA BRINGS
UNBIASED INFORMATION TO POLARISED DEBATE
15 January 2003
A study comparing the use of open source and proprietary software in
an African context will bring unbiased information to a polarised
debate that is often marked by unsubstantiated arguments.
Bridges.org, an international non-governmental-organisation (NGO)
based in Cape Town, South Africa, in collaboration with SchoolNet
Africa, an NGO working with "SchoolNet" formations across the
continent, launched the study in January.
In open source software the underlying programming (or "code") is
revealed so that it can be modified, and applications are often made
available for free use and distribution. Proprietary software is
owned by a particular company and typically the right to use it must
be purchased. Users have no access to the inner workings of
proprietary software and cannot modify it.
The debate over which kind of software is better for developing
countries is heating up, and many argue that the choice will have
long-term implications as African countries take steps to join the
information society. And unlike in the developed world, where
computer owners are able to make their own software decisions, in the
developing world the focus on public access to computers and the
Internet means that computer lab managers and government officials
are making software choices that affect a lot of people.
The question of which software is more appropriate for the African
environment centers on issues like cost, security, availability,
support, technology requirements, and ease of use. Moreover,
proponents of open source software argue that it offers the only
avenue for Africa to develop its own software industry. But many
others see proprietary software, such as Microsoft Windows, as a
practical requirement for anyone who wants to be competitive in
today's marketplace.
Up to now the debate has been characterized by subjective arguments
from people who feel strongly about the issues, both because of a
desire to do what is "right" for society and because there is
potentially significant money on the line. "We want to step into the
fray on this topic and provide unbiased information about the issues
at stake for Africa. The key point here is that decision-makers need
to be empowered to make informed choices," said Teresa Peters,
executive director of bridges.org.
The two-year-long study will examine the implications of the choice
between open source and proprietary software in an African context by
investigating the practical issues facing existing computer
laboratories in South Africa and Namibia. In addition it will provide
a detailed study of the policy environment and the factors that
influence related policy-making processes, again focusing on the
policy-level debate and choices made and compare them to similar
policies in other countries, as appropriate. "With this study we aim
to provide SchoolNets and government officials across Africa with the
unbiased background information that they need" adds Shafika Isaacs,
Executive Director of SchoolNet Africa.
Expert members of the open source community and representatives of
proprietary software companies will be invited to peer review the
methodology and results of this study. The study is supported by the
International Development Research Centre's Acacia Program and the
Open Society Institute.
CONTACT
Philipp Schmidt, Programme Manager
Bridges.org
Tel: +27 21 970 1318
Fax: +27 21 970 1319
Eml: softcomp@bridges.org
Shafika Isaacs, Executive Director
SchoolNet Africa
Tel: +27 11 339 2300
Fax: +27 11 3395912
Eml: shafika@schoolnetafrica.org.za
ABOUT BRIDGES.ORG
Bridges.org is an international NGO based in South Africa with a
mission to help people in developing countries use information and
communication technology (ICT) to improve their lives. Its main focus
is to enable informed policy decisions, which affect people's access
to and use of ICT. Bridges.org also gets involved in on-the-ground
projects to study the effects of policy decisions and relay lessons
learned to the international development community. It brings an
entrepreneurial attitude to its social mission, and is committed to
working with instead of against government agencies and the business
community. More information at: www.bridges.org
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