[Opensource] Changing software purchase models

[Cameron Bell]

The cynical amongst us may just assume that the NSW mob are making all 
the right noises to simply get MS to give them their software gratis or 
at greatly reduced license cost. Happens elsewhere in the world and MS 
have shown that they are willing to do that, why not here?
Apologies for my cynicism.
Cameron

Adam Barbary wrote:
> Woohoo! Someone actually looking at the software licensing issues. 
> Once they fix NSW I hope they head south to wean Spring St off the 
> software treadmill.
>
> Adam Barbary
> Viewbank College
>
> On 07/05/2008, at 5:30 PM, Roland Gesthuizen wrote:
>
>> Computerworld has published an interesting story 
>> <http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/FE73A77E2BB96F21CC257425007DCB21> 
>> about computers rolling out to schools. The NSW department of 
>> education has announced that it will install OpenOffice, on 41,000 
>> computers due to be distributed to schools across the state by the 
>> end of 2008. They will also downgrade every new computer it buys from 
>> Vista to Windows XP.
>>
>> The report notes that "This incurred an additional expense in the 
>> short t! erm, he says, but was less expensive over the life of the 
>> computer. The move is less a backlash against Microsoft and more 
>> recognition that the purchasing model for software in educational 
>> institutions is changing."
>>
>> It seems as if somebody in NSW is wide awake and noticed that the 
>> world of ICT is changing very fast. Well, good on them!
>>
>> -- 
>> Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College
>> http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au
>>
>> "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can 
>> change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." 
>> --Margaret Mead _______________________________________________
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