Deccan Herald, Bangalore is continuing to cover the eGov standards policy
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/17466/microsoft-keen-e-governance-projects.html
In the article below, MS admits that they are working with industry
bodies to create 'awareness' about the 'advantages' of multiple standards.
Microsoft keen on e-governance projects
Sandeep Moudgal and Chethan Kumar, Bangalore, DH News Service:
Even as advocacy for using open standards for the e-governance programme
proposed by the Centre is assuming increasing popularity, there seems to
be nothing that is plugging Microsoft’s ambitions.
Reacting to Deccan Herald’s story, dated July 19, 2009, “Rat race begins
among vendors for contracts,” the software giant said that being a
platform based company, Microsoft has worked with a lot of open source
players and is even willing to work with industry opponents to get its
hands on the projects. This is viewed by many players as a 'back-door’
entry vied by Microsoft.
Microsoft observed that its interest may fluctuate based on two
amendments in the draft policy. The draft policy states that no firm
bidding for any project can claim for intellectual property rights and
must use open standards. “We are interested in the e-governance
projects, but will appreciate if amendments on open standard and IPR are
made,” Microsoft, Standards Engagement Lead Oliver Bell told Deccan Herald.
He said, “We believe that the advocacy of open standards would mean
‘putting the cart before the horse’, as the State does not know what is
the requirement of the customer,” and added that they would approach the
government through the industry body to “create awareness” on the
advantages of multiple standards.
State for a right mix
While admitting that the cost burden will reduce considerably with an
open standard platform, Principal Secretary, e-governance Department M N
Vidyashankar averred to use the “right mix” of proprietary software and
open standard will also reap benefits.
Currently Karnataka has Rs 175 crore worth of e-governance projects in
the pipeline with a Data Centre project worth Rs 65 crore, all set to be
rolled out next week in seven districts. While the draft policy’s stand
on open source keeps the single-standard vendor glued to developments,
statements like this by experts keeps Microsoft’s hopes alive. Either
way it is all about money for the industry with the State swearing by
implementation.
--
Vinay Sreenivasa
IT for Change
91-98805-95032
[email protected]
http://itforchange.net
http://public-software.in
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