[Opensource] Changing software purchase models

[Cameron Bell]

Not knowing them at all, I'm prepared to give them the benefit of the 
doubt on your say. I have already told my staff something along the 
lines of "I told you so" when I first heard about this. You really don't 
have to be too smart to figure out why its a better model, you just have 
to be brave and start walking the talk.
I have far less faith in their Victoria counterparts who often seem to 
view even Macs as a nuisance.
I generally work with colleagues who couldn't care less which apps they 
use, as long as they don't have to (dare I say it) *change*. My biggest 
advantage is the onset of Vista and Office07 (or whatever its called). I 
am showing how the change to OO is far less challenging than the change 
to the new version of MSOffice and with students now rocking up with 
files created in the new version that staff can't open, I am starting to 
make far more noise about why we are moving to FOSS.
There is also a great article in this months Australian Photography 
Magazine about archiving digital prints and files and the critical role 
FOSS is playing in preserving our heritage. Worth a read.
You know I'm onside Pia, I just have very little faith in Ed bureaucracy 
who want a managed standard system which aren't using standards at all. 
For those in suits in town, its often about the deals that can be done, 
not what is best or just plain right.

Cheers
Cameron


Pia Waugh wrote:
> <quote who="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?
>>     
>
> The NSW education folk really do have a clue. We have met with many people
> in the department, including quite high up and have been pleasantly
> surprised by the level of knowledge about the usefullness and value of Open
> Source. There are loads of smart people in Government and we should try to
> a) give them the benefit of the doubt and b) support them better with good
> positive information about Open Source.
>
> Cheers,
> Pia
>  
>   

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