I asked this very same question on this list once. I thought the OPENZ people on the list might like to respond regarding this. This letter should be used as an example, to base some sort of draft version for our own government. Action needs to be taken but we can't be seen as zealous techno-geeks only. We must be organised, polite, intelligent and persuasive. Dr. Villanueva sets a good precedent here.
I would love to be more involved in the OSS movement in this country but I need some direction as to where to begin. I can speak pretty well and am not afraid to talk to crowds but a concerted effort must begin in this country on behalf of OSS adoption at all government levels. It comes down to far more than money. Freedom, in all its forms is at stake as well. This is the point that Dr. Villanueva makes so eloquently I think. This tack will win people over. I have spoken to countless people who agree once informed on the issues surrounding OSS adoption, but they, like me, don't know exactly how to get involved. A "Battle Plan" so to speak needs to be organised, if one hasn't been already. One that makes it easy for many people to become involved in. I think our government would be surprised at the concern by its citizens over ownership of THEIR data if we spoke with one voice. Uniting that voice is the project. One voice gets lost in the crowd, many voices acting as one get heard. Especially during election periods ;-) Just my .02c worth. Regards, Jason Gavin Treadgold wrote: >What can we do in New Zealand? Can we approach political parties and >governments and make them aware of the costs associated with MSFT software >in New Zealand? How much money could be freed up in the economy if less was >spent on MSFT operating systems? Surely this would prove attractive if we >could demonstrate the economics of it. Is it something even Treasury would >consider investigating? How much money would the government save if it >started rolling out more free software? How much of that savings could be >better used elsewhere? Can we us Villanueva to get the ball rolling here? It >would also be timely with the Commerce Commission action. > >It would be useful if we could put together a very factual and well >researched report to present and promote the use of open source software. > >What should such a report look at? I believe more than anything it should >focus on cold hard numbers. Dollars. How much is being spent per annum on >MSFT operating systems in New Zealand? How much is being spent by the >Government on MSFT operating systems? > >Just some more rambling thoughts. > >Cheers Gav > >
