Microsoft ‘tax’ on Linux in schools must end says Becta

[Dos_Box]

Thanks to Matt and Paul at PC Advisor\IDG for the heads up on this interview.

 

http://www.computerworlduk.com/community/blogs/index.cfm?entryid=616&blogid=17

[CyberNerd]

Interesting, but their history on this issue is basically to ban moodle in favor of the 'preferred non-moodle suppliers', select predominantly MS partners on BSF with predominantly MS solutions, and to entirely exclude OSS on their recommended ELC software.

[cookie_monster]

Is it just me or is BSF just going to become another way for the gov to cut a good deal with MS that will ultimatly end up with a 'reasonable' deal on MS products but will 'CUT' Linux out as most of the bidding companies will offer mainly MS solutions. Oh i should add while making sure that you still pay this TAX. Edited March 19, 2008 by cookie_monster

[CyberNerd]

I doubt if Becta will say it like that, but any schools that have migrated will be steamrollered by whatever the managed service provide. I don't think there is that much wiggle-room in BSF to specify things like software preference.

[Diello]

Strange... whenever I hear Becta, the word hypocrite enters my head... weird...

[localzuk]

It's definitely going to be an odd one, as I seriously doubt much FOSS stuff will be included in any managed service - how can they make a profit from it?

 

Sure, they may use things like squid as a proxy, but that's about as far as they'll go I reckon.