Screaming Penguin - Source Does Matter

The government of Venezuela has announced a new policy of preferring open source products to proprietary ones in governmental operations AND requiring all new software developed for the government to be GPL. I think I understand the direction officials are trying to go when they do this, but personally I think its a BAD IDEA.

Yes, I am a staunch open source advocate, but I just dont agree with requiring or making a policy of ANY TYPE of software, ANY GROUP over another. Pick the BEST one, in my opinion that is usually open source, (linux, apache, bind, sendmail, xfree86, kde, free/swan, etc, etc) but I dont think mandating it is a good idea.

Certainly I think CONSIDERING open source for governments or companies or your house, etc, is a GREAT idea (and you are somewhat irresponsible if you DONT) but that doesnt always make it the best choice. In a government, where cost, reliability and security are paramount concerns, I think Linux is a PERFECT fit, but that again doesnt mean it needs to be required.

The Venezuela story has another twist in that apparently Microsoft is trying to get tough against piracy that they have ignored for years. Governments and companies alike have huge problems with both BEING pirates and keeping track of compliance (which multiple silly and complicated licensing schemes dont help). Microsoft is likened to a crack dealer in the linked Register article, giving away code until the country is addicted and then "tightening the screws". If that IS the case then it does lend more credence to it being a SMART move to go to open source. Dont want to be a pirate, use GPL software!

For more on Venezuela check the linked register article.   Venezuela eliminates govt. software piracy: theRegister