Russian Linux fanboys rejoice! Russia embraces free software, a huge blow to Microsoft
130 replies, posted
[url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/95642/20101228/russia-free-software-microsoft-putin-order-government-budget-schools-china-piracy.htm#]Source[/url]
[release][quote][img]http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2010/12/16/56317-vladimir-putin.jpg[/img]
Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin speaks during his annual question-and-answer session with Russian people in Moscow, December 16, 2010.[/quote]
In what can prove to be massive blow to Microsoft, Russia has taken another step towards the transition into complete usage of free software. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Monday signed an order for the transition of federal bodies and agencies to use free software.
This comes after the 2008 campaign to rid schools of all paid proprietary software and encourage free software.
Although Russia's expanding campaign against proprietary software will negatively impact several software developers, world's software behemoth, Microsoft stands to lose out on the most.
Russia has so far worried Microsoft with its notoriously high-rate of software piracy, following China and other Asian countries. While the majority of the population uses pirate Microsoft softwares, now the country is completely planning to cut off paid proprietary software.
Moreover, Microsoft is already down licking its wounds in the United States, where the internet giant and rival company Google has managed to grab the attention in the software market as well. Businesses, universities, and government institutions are increasingly opting for professional Google Docs solution over Microsoft's offerings.
Amid these developments, Microsoft on Tuesday vowed to provide free software and legal assistance to activist groups in Russia and 11 other countries. This came after mounting pressure from rights groups, which alleged that the Redmond software giant was part of Russia's use of anti-piracy laws to quell dissent. As per reports, authorities have repeatedly seized the computers of activists and journalists critical of the government, in the name of the anti-piracy laws, to search for pirated Microsoft software.
"With the existence of this license, Microsoft is clearly articulating its position that we do not wish to engage in anti-piracy actions against NGOs and small, independent media in these 12 countries that are using Microsoft software for their business needs," Microsoft's deputy general counsel Nancy Anderson said in a statement.
Several organisations and countries have tried and continue to try their hand at encouraging migration to free software. One of the campaigns that failed in the past was China's Jiangsu deployment of Linux in secondary education. The feedback was extremely poor. It later led to a trade deal between China and Microsoft that allows students in the Asian giant to legally buy Windows+Office bundles for just $3.
[B]The latest order[/B]
The order that affects all Russian federal agencies and any organizations funded by the federal budget maps a step-by-step transition, slated to be completed by 2015.
Each point of the [url=http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&ie=UTF-%20%208&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http://filearchive.cnews.ru/doc/2010/06/17/2299p.doc&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1]25-point document[/url], which can be read and accessed on Google Translate, specifies an action that needs to be taken by an agency within the specified time; besides the expected result from the event.
CNews reported that one of the interesting points of the plan was a reference to the national repository, which must be created to the II (second) quarter of 2012. Deputy Minister of communications Ilya Massuh explained that the document refers to "not so much an assembly repository distro Linux, many applications store similar to App Store, but for free operating systems. "
One of the oldest repositories ACT in Russia is Sisyphus. The developer owns the eponymous distribution company ALT Linux, said the Google Translation of the [url=http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-%20%208&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fopen.cnews.ru%2Fnews%2Ftop%2Findex.shtml%3F2010%2F12%2F27%2F421556]CNews report[/url].
Speaking on the implications of this move on the Russian economy, ALT Linux CEO Alexei Smirnov, who is familiar with the plan of transition of power in the ACT, said, "Firstly, it would eliminate the cost of government royalties on the software, and secondly, will bring the remaining costs of imports to purchase from domestic manufacturers, and third, will spur innovation development of economy ".
[B]Experiment began in schools[/B]
The government in 2008 ordered schools to opt for free software packages for all of its computers, or pay for proprietary software from their own pockets.
By the end of 2009, all school computers will be installed package of free software (SCPI), Minister of Communications and Mass Communications Minister Igor Shchegolev was quoted as [url=http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fspo.cnews.ru%2Fnews%2Fline%2Findex.shtml%3F2008%2F10%2F22%2F324234&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=ru&tl=en]announcing[/url] back then.
Updates on Russia's experiment were positive. A 2008 [url=http://robertogaloppini.net/2008/04/03/open-source-education-progress-of-free-software-in-russian-schools/]robertogaloppini.net[/url] report asserted on "some evidence that the project will not remain unfruitful."
"Among others, you are able to download the specially tailored Linux distributions, including a version tailored for older PCs with 128-256 MB of RAM and P-233-class CPUs and a Terminal Server edition that allows to use older PCs as thin terminals provided a decent server is available in the classroom.Secondly, the information is now coming from more than one source, which indicates that the regional participants of the project have both freedom and willingness to act," the report stated.
[B]Pros and Cons for Russia[/B]
Russia will stand to gain economically with this kind of an implementation; besides the fact that the situation can spur technological innovation and development at the local level. The pros are:
- The move would eliminate the cost of government royalties on the software
- Domestic manufacturers stand to gain as the costs saved on imports can be used to purchase from local developers
- It will reduce the technological dependancy
- Consequently, it may also inspire innovation and development at the local level
On the negative front, Russia may face some resistance due to the human nature that makes people creatures of habits. The country may also need to train the end users on free and open source softwares.[/release]
I'm crying manly tears of joy... Putin, I'm so excited right now I could give you a big, wet kiss :gay:
Ok now, on a more serious note, I approve of this. ALT Linux CEO Alexei Smirnov's words couldn't have been any clearer. I believe this is going to turn out really well.
Windows sucks anyways. It's only good for games. I just don't like how it thinks it has to do everything by itself and take control out of my hands. I just reformattet today and raged alot again.
Good for them, too bad linux sucks dick
[highlight](User was banned for this post ("Trolling" - Benji))[/highlight]
[QUOTE=DrLuke;27031168]Windows sucks anyways. It's only good for games. I just don't like how it thinks it has to do everything by itself and take control out of my hands. I just reformattet today and raged alot again.[/QUOTE]
It's not only good for games. It's good for office/school work and running servers and whatnot, but only because Microsoft has a monopoly on those sorts of things. But Linux is generally better because it's more secure and reliable, for serious things.
[editline]28th December 2010[/editline]
[QUOTE=ITokez;27031190]Good for them, too bad linux sucks dick[/QUOTE]
cease posting
I think Suse Linux would be the School suiting type.
For every high level boycott of MS products, our XBL bill increases :(
I swear, if my bill rises past $65, I'm selling my Xbox and buying a ps3 with the money I have saved from my allowance. 16 YRs old and my parents are forcing me to pay that damn bill with my allowance. Thats 9 hard weeks of constant tedious shit.
[QUOTE=certified;27031785]For every high level boycott of MS products, our XBL bill increases :(
I swear, if my bill rises past $65, I'm selling my Xbox and buying a ps3 with the money I have saved from my allowance. 16 YRs old and my parents are forcing me to pay that damn bill with my allowance. Thats 9 hard weeks of constant tedious shit.[/QUOTE]
what exactly are you bitching about
I'm bitching that when a bunch of corporations and governments start boycotting M$, prices on other services that are used by individuals will rise in price. I would give you a bad reading but compwhizzi reskinned bad reading and spelling to zing and winner.
[QUOTE=Doriol;27031865]what exactly are you bitching about[/QUOTE]
What he said.
(Sublimal "Fuck you"s arn't cool man)
Gah automerge
[QUOTE=certified;27032039]I'm bitching that when a bunch of corporations and governments start boycotting M$, prices on other services that are used by individuals will rise in price. I would give you a bad reading but compwhizzi reskinned bad reading and spelling to zing and winner.[/QUOTE]
that was a rhetorical question
why are you bitching about having to pay for your precious xbox live bill
[QUOTE=certified;27031785]For every high level boycott of MS products, our XBL bill increases :(
I swear, if my bill rises past $65, I'm selling my Xbox and buying a ps3 with the money I have saved from my allowance. 16 YRs old and my parents are forcing me to pay that damn bill with my allowance. Thats 9 hard weeks of constant tedious shit.[/QUOTE]
"I'm old enough to make my own money and now my parents want to MAKE ME BUY MY OWN SHIT!!"
on a less assholish note, this has nothing to do with xbox live.
Anyone else remember that one Russian Microsoft dude who said that Linux would never be widespread in Russia? :smug:
[QUOTE=certified;27032039]I'm bitching that when a bunch of corporations and governments start boycotting M$, prices on other services that are used by individuals will rise in price. I would give you a bad reading but compwhizzi reskinned bad reading and spelling to zing and winner.[/QUOTE]
Errr... stop complaining and get a job
[QUOTE=chewgo;27032110]
Anyone else remember that one Russian Microsoft dude who said that Linux would never be widespread in Russia? :smug:[/QUOTE]
no
[QUOTE=chewgo;27032110]Anyone else remember that one Russian Microsoft dude who said that Linux would never be widespread in Russia? :smug:[/QUOTE]
Ahahaha I remember! I wonder where he is now :v:
[QUOTE=certified;27031785]For every high level boycott of MS products, our XBL bill increases :(
I swear, if my bill rises past $65, I'm selling my Xbox and buying a ps3 with the money I have saved from my allowance. 16 YRs old and my parents are forcing me to pay that damn bill with my allowance. Thats 9 hard weeks of constant tedious shit.[/QUOTE]
Well, you do realize instead of sitting on your ass and playing video games, you could be getting a job that can buy you a new computer where the only online bill is the ISP.
[QUOTE=Pretiacruento;27032144]Ahahaha I remember! I wonder where he is now :v:[/QUOTE]
Crying himself to sleep in the middle of nowhere.
Didn't they already use free software?
And by free I mean pirated
[QUOTE=ionuttzu;27031257]Inb4 increased monthly payment for Xbox Live[/QUOTE]
Ah fuck, rate me late.
Didn't know anyone in Russia paid for software.
[QUOTE=certified;27031785]For every high level boycott of MS products, our XBL bill increases :(
I swear, if my bill rises past $65, I'm selling my Xbox and buying a ps3 with the money I have saved from my allowance. 16 YRs old and my parents are forcing me to pay that damn bill with my allowance. Thats 9 hard weeks of constant tedious shit.[/QUOTE]
Surely it makes sense that you pay for it out of your allowance? It's there (or was in my case) to give you a budget for luxuries that you don't really need.
First killing bears with a sniper rifle, with no shirt on.
Then singing like a fucking badass.
Now this.
I think I'm in love (no homo).
I like how in the new tron movie, they have the evil proprietary software pushing giant, and they use ubuntu for all their security.
Anyways, I like ubuntu because it's pretty looking, and I never play videogames so all I need is a musi program, a torrent program, and firefox
As long as they don't use Novell software (OpenSUSE, etc), I'm fine with it.
[QUOTE=Jookia;27033052]As long as they don't use Novell software (OpenSUSE, etc), I'm fine with it.[/QUOTE]
Elaborate please.
[QUOTE=Jookia;27033052]As long as they don't use Novell software (OpenSUSE, etc), I'm fine with it.[/QUOTE]
openSUSE and SLED were the first distros I've laid my hands on, and they're pretty cool IMO :colbert:
Novell is partnered with Microsoft in 2006 and just practically sold itself to Microsoft. It'd be a big loss if you tried to move away from Microsoft only to be back in Microsoft's grips.
I hope they choose Red Hat, though. Red Hat are awesome.
I even have an openSUSE 11.3 DVD laying around right now, somewhere in my drawer
[editline]28th December 2010[/editline]
[QUOTE=Jookia;27033214]Novell is partnered with Microsoft in 2006 and just practically sold itself to Microsoft.[/QUOTE]
Well I didn't know that... but still, it doesn't change the fact that openSUSE and SLED/SLES are pretty good distros
[QUOTE=Jiyoon;27032642]I like how in the new tron movie, they have the evil proprietary software pushing giant, and they use ubuntu for all their security.
Anyways, I like ubuntu because it's pretty looking, and I never play videogames so all I need is a musi program, a torrent program, and firefox[/QUOTE]
AFAIK ubuntu isn't that great for ~serious things~
but I use it on my linux desktop and it's ok
Sorry, you need to Log In to post a reply to this thread.
