Sunday, October 19, 2003

MA Goes Open Source

This is kind of funny.

THE US state of Massachusetts has instructed its chief technology officer to adopt a policy of “open standards, open source” for all future spending on information technology.

Hmmm…. let’s make sure that all of our highly sensitive government data is on platforms that any kid can get the source code for.  Way to think ahead.

I wonder what the Viking has to say about this.

(6) Comments
Posted by Owen at 2206 hrs
Technology

  1. Another feel-good idea. Presumably the state has access to highly qualified IT people. Do the experts think open source is the right answer for all of the state’s computing needs? I doubt it. Why do legislators feel compelled, or even competent, to do things like this?

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 20, 2003 at 0456 hrs


  2. There are good reasons for avoiding proprietary software. Here’s one from Ernie Ball.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 20, 2003 at 1332 hrs


  3. Your link thing doesn’t work:

    http://news.com.com/2008-1082_3-5065859.html?tag=lh

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 20, 2003 at 1334 hrs


  4. Andjust because applications or operating systems are “open stnadards, open source” doesn’t mean they are unsecure. Just means that applications builders can more tightly integrate their applications - including security apps.

    Posted by Charles2 on October 20, 2003 at 1501 hrs


  5. Believe me, I don’t have anything against “Open Source.”  I make my living preaching the benefits of it.  It’s just kind of ridiculous that so many people are in favor of it because it’s “anti-Microsoft” and really don’t have any idea what they’re talking about.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 20, 2003 at 1844 hrs


  6. True enough, Owen. Although there’s nothing wrong with being “anti-Microsoft.” (Fervent Mac user that I am… wink

    Posted by Charles2 on October 24, 2003 at 1142 hrs


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