[Linux-aus] Benefits (was: M$ buys off SA)

[Con Zymaris]

On Tue, Jul 15, 2003 at 02:37:48PM +0800, Leon Brooks wrote:
> > Leon is right.  We need to focus on the benefits of FOSS.
> 
> OK (but Leon was not actually right, Leon was only close): given that 
> OSV has just had a turn (and considering my biasses, see sig) and that 
> this lies squarely in the business field, I think SLPWA should make a 
> statement about it.
> 
> I originally thought that such a statement should pivot on debate being 
> too tightly focussed, and I still think that would be a good starting 
> point. With that in mind, I've asked SLPWA about it, but if they aren't 
> eager, I'm happy to help a different group along.
> 
> I'm wide-open to suggestions. I don't mind long emails, so bury me in 
> benefits! Please!
> 
> Here's some samples I posted to SLPWA's main list:
> 
>   * The ability to *change* programs to suit individual departments
>     or areas;
> 
>   * The ability to *share* such improvements across departments, states
>     and the whole country, unhobbled by complex or expensive licence
>     considerations;
> 
>   * The proven ability of GPL-like licences to *contain* fragmentation
>     (and ad-hoc workarounds of limitations in closed-source software)
>     to make implementations more consistent across a field;
> 
>   * The elimination of much burdensome licence *superintendence*, and
>     the related risk of heavy legal expenses if a mistake is made;
> 
>   * The complete, reproducible *auditability* of everything;
> 
>   * The development of Australian IT *expertise* (not George Jetson
>     style expertise, either);
> 
>   * The retention of Australian *control* of software development,
>     installation and maintenance;
> 
>   * The proven general resistance to *viruses*;
> 
>   * The ability to more easily *unbundle* contracts for farming out
>     to smaller local companies;
> 
> If you can think of a way to cram a lot of those benefits into a terse 
> media statement, I'd very much appreciate that too, but don't let it 
> slow you down in listing benefits, however cumbersome the wording is.

It's a worthwhile list, but this last paragraph may indicate what the main
problem might be: "If you can think of a way to cram a lot of those
benefits..." This is your choker-chain. There's just too much to cram, and 
possibly too much to raise issue with.


-- 
_____________________________________________________________________________
Con Zymaris <conz at cyber.com.au> Level 4, 10 Queen St, Melbourne 03 9621 2377 
Cybersource: Unix/Linux, TCP/IP and Web App. Development  www.cyber.com.au