Paying for software you can’t use – is Microsoft really good for schools?
,----[ Quote ]
| At least the Norwegian Competition Authority has forced Microsoft to back
| down, according to Linpro. For its part Becta warned schools against
| entering into academic license agreement with Microsoft unless the company
| implemented recommended changes, while at the same time extending a MOU
| with Microsoft that enabled schools to take advantage of the licensing
| program.
|
| Becta effectively gave Microsoft a year’s grace to implement its
| recommendations and told schools to delay a decision until the publication
| of its final report in early 2008. In the meantime, UK schools continue to
| be charge for software they can’t use.
`----
http://www.businessreviewonline.com/os/archives/2007/06/paying_for_soft.html
>From offline discussions, I am aware that action will be taken here in the
UK to put an end to it as well.
Related:
Microsoft bows to complaint from Linpro
,----[ Quote ]
| Schools will no longer be subjected to Windows licensing for Linux or Mac
| computers. Furthermore, Microsoft has accepted to discontinue their
| commercial bundling which required schools to buy several Microsoft
| products to obtain discounts.
`----
http://www.linpro.no/en/nyheter_og_events/2007/linpro_vant_frem_mot_microsoft
Open source software - A key element in Norwegian ICT-strategy
,----[ Quote ]
| Last but not least we will evaluate how to promote knowledge and training
| in open source software in further education. And we will collaborate on
| improved educational courses on this subject at college and university
| level.
`----
http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/fad/dep/Fornyings-_og_administrasjonsminister/taler_artikler/2007/eZ-Conference---Awards.html?id=471985
Local Authorities avoid Becta framework as Europe opens investigation
,----[ Quote ]
| Local Authorities are avoiding the use of Becta's framework
| procurement for Learning Platforms, while the European
| Commission has formally registered Alpha Learning's
| complaint that the framework failed to comply with
| European regulations for public procurement.
`----
http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=9549
Related:
Becta's schools software scheme reported to EC
,----[ Quote ]
| An advisor to Becta, the education technology quango, has complained
| to the European Commission about its procurement process for firms
| to provide online learning platforms and content to British schools.
`----
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/01/08/becta_ec_complaint/
OSC joins criticism of UK education's attitude to open source
,----[ Quote ]
| Open Source Consortium president, Mark Taylor, has been in contact to
| voice its opinion on the controversy surrounding Becta's purchasing
| frameworks and the adoption of open source adoption in UK schools.
|
| In short, it doesn't make happy reading for Becta. "The essence of
| our concern is that they're saying one thing and actually pursuing
| policies that are exclusive," he said. "Becta's own research shows there
| are major benefits [with open source], however the reality of the
| framework is that it excludes both products and services."
`----
http://www.businessreviewonline.com/os/archives/2006/11/osc_joins_criti.html
Tories want open source Whitehall
,----[ Quote ]
| The government could save more than £600 million a year if it used more
| open source software, the shadow chancellor has estimated.
|
| George Osborne said the savings would cut 5% off Whitehall's annual IT
| bill.
|
| He called for a more "level playing field" for all software companies, and
| urged "cultural change" in government.
`----
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6430069.stm
UK Government criticised for stifling open source in schools
,----[ Quote ]
| MP Pugh reckons shcools should support independent or open source
| software firms. He says, "In my experience a school is a key part
| of the community and as such has a role to play in the economy of
| that community. By supporting SMEs the local high-technology
| industry will be encouraged which will benefit everyone."
`----
http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=36464
Becta under fire for procurement framework
,----[ Quote ]
| Nineteen MPs have accused a government agency of restricting the
| procurement of software in schools.
`----
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/11/29/becta_procurement_criticised/
MPs criticise government roadblocks to Open Source adoption in schools
,----[ Quote ]
| The UK Government's own studies have shown savings of up to 60% can be
| made by schools and colleges using Open Source software. Despite this
| clear advantage, some MPs believe the software procurement frameworks
| from Becta and official advice from DfES effectively locks out the us
| of free, Open Source software.
`----
http://opensourceblog.itproportal.com/?p=220
|
|
