Information Society Watch

Fredrick Noronha

This article by FOSS activist Fredrick Noronha gives a very practical insight into why schools in India should impart computer education based on the principles of free and open source software(FOSS). Apart from the regular reasons of cost and affordability, the ability to tweak with the source code and create new/modified versions of a particular piece of software are the main reasons why schools should actively promote deployment of FOSS. FOSS does not demand high end hardware configurations which result in lowered carbon footprints.

August 17, 2007, The Times of India

This article looks at the ongoing debate regarding adoption of Microsoft's OOXML standard as opposed to Open Document Format. It presents the views of IT majors in India on the topic, which is quite evenly divided.

September 2005

An open source, user friendly, flexible freeware, the district health information systems software (DHIS) has been developed by the Health Information Systems Programme (HISP) for use in a public health MIS. DHIS supports functions of accurate and valid data collection, aggregation, storing, sharing, transmission, analysis, reporting, display and use of health data at and between every level of a local health system.

May 25, 2006, The Economic Times

This article questions the Indian government’s contradictory practice of advocating the open source ideology in its e-governance projects, while failing to embrace open technology platforms. This article is in favour of open source, specifically because it would reduce cost and provides interoperability.

June 2006, Express Computer

This article discusses some reasons why SMBs (Small and Medium Businesses) are using open source platforms. Lower acquisition costs combined with the ability to tweak the source code are identified as key factors.