[Linux-aus] Follow Up on NOIE thread from a few weeks back....

[Brent Wallis]

Hi,
A quick follow up on the NOIE thread that started on the list a few
weeks back.

Below is an extract from the International Herald Tribune,
(linked via /.) specifically:

http://www.iht.com/articles/96289.html

<snip>
The Microsoft documents also show a sophisticated and 
complex lobbying program aimed at getting governments 
on their side. A confidential document titled 
"Open Source Software Government: World Wide Initiative"
outlines the company's lobbying objectives.
.
One aim, the document says, is to "prevent adoption of 
procurement policies favoring OSS," or open-source software.
Legislators in several European countries, including Denmark, 
France and Germany, have proposed laws that would encourage 
or require government offices to adopt open-source software.
</snip>

The article implies that M$ are actually doing what many of us surmised
during the NOIE roadtrip, namely " the gathering of market intelligence
via being your friend....." Australia is not mentioned specifically, but
the general flavour has a familiar ring does it not?

Any comments?

Rgds
Brent Wallis