Schneier http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2010/10/cargo_security.html: [we have to "do something." (Something must be done. This is something. Therefore, we must do it.)]
Beautiful description of UIDAI, isn't it? This discussion thread richly illustrates the point. Of course, in India, we have our own beautiful descriptions, characterised by another well-known Windows vendor's simple philosophy, "Ready, Shoot, Aim" #2 specifically mentions two proprietary and one open standards OSes, and it seems clear this is only illustrative and not restricting. However, even if it is read as restricting, it still demands Gnu/Linux porting, if not native creation (potential for a better solution, by far, imho, provided the device drivers are available). I see no compelling reason why the Authority should deploy any devices in the field (except in pure pilots), until these are supplied, but they seem to be generating their own pressure on timetables. I have just read Pranesh's note sent a minute or two back on this thread quoting the UIDAI website, and it appears they are also generating their own pressures on defining how they stick to their promises, and how they define "large community of experts". > [snip] c) We are committed to open standards wherever possible, and the use > of open source in the initiative has allowed us to tap into a large > community of experts that supports us and gives us feedback.] On Tue, Nov 2, 2010 at 5:31 PM, Prasanth Sugathan <[email protected]>wrote: > The specs for the client application as given in the RFP: > > "*UID Client Frameworks* > Enrolment Client is a rich client application that needs to work offline > (without > connectivity to any server) and fully support features such as demographic > data > collection, data transliteration, address normalization, biometric data > capture, > secure data storage, etc. > Following are the technology framework choices for the UID Enrolment > Client: > • Machine architecture – 8086 32-bit Desktop / Laptop > • Operating System – Multiple (Windows, Linux, Mac) > • Device Drivers (biometric), Transliteration Engine, and other > external > components – Provided by vendors / 3rd party providers > • Application (API and User Interface) - Built on rich client > technologies on > supported the operating systems " > > > http://uidai.gov.in/UID_PDF/Front_Page_Articles/Recent_Tenders/MISCELLANEOUS/RFP_ASDMSA_Volume_II.pdf > > Regards, > > Prasanth > > > > > > On Tue, Nov 2, 2010 at 4:33 PM, Vickram Crishna <[email protected]>wrote: > >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 2, 2010 at 3:21 PM, Jibu Jacob <[email protected]> wrote: >> >>> From the web site of UIDAI it is seen that the following contracts are >>> awarded. >>> >>> The Sl. No 9 Application Software Development, Maintenance and Support >>> Agency for UIDAI is *Mindtree Ltd * contract was awarded on 27/4/2010. >>> >>> Other contracts are connected with Purchase of Biometric Devices where >>> we need to see the contract terms. >>> >>> A look at the contract terms for Mindtree would be far more interesting, >> and crucial: has the company preferred to insist on Windows for any >> particular reason, is it justified on cost or time grounds (if the latter, >> what exactly is the urgency)? >> >> For the hardware orders, it was up to UIDAI to insist on open source >> drivers. Given the volume of business possible if this enrollment gathers >> steam, the numbers must be large enough to persuade any vendor to comply >> willingly. If UIDAI has not done so, then CAG should be asked to investigate >> the purchase orders. It is about time that CAG stepped up to the plate to >> minimise cost overruns before they happen, not once the money's all gone. >> >> -- >> Vickram >> Fool On The Hill <http://communicall.wordpress.com> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> network mailing list >> [email protected] >> http://lists.fosscom.in/listinfo.cgi/network-fosscom.in >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > network mailing list > [email protected] > http://lists.fosscom.in/listinfo.cgi/network-fosscom.in > > -- Vickram Fool On The Hill <http://communicall.wordpress.com>
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