RSSNetherlands war against Microsoft advances on two fronts
By Scott M. Fulton, III | Published December 14, 2007, 11:34 AM
A junior economics minister in the Dutch government has made significant inroads this week in his battle against Microsoft there, both in transitioning his government to ODF and in decoupling bundled software from PCs.
What Neelie Kroes is to the European Commission, Frank Heemskerk is fast becoming for the Netherlands Finance Ministry -- a rising star, especially for taking on popular causes. One such cause -- the battle against Microsoft's market dominance -- has won him support, and this week, the popular Economic Affairs State Secretary has cashed in some of his chips for political points.
Yesterday, a version of a plan proposed last September that would move Dutch government offices toward open-source office software that uses OpenDocument Format, received the necessary votes yesterday to be formally passed by the Dutch Parliament.
"Open source software has many advantages," reads a translation from Sec. Heemskerk's office yesterday, "which we've seen right in front of us for quite some time. Licensing costs are reduced, you're not so dependent on any one supplier, and innovation has a real chance."
Under the terms of the plan to which the Parliament agreed, according to the Associated Press, government offices must start using open-source software by April of next year. They can continue to use proprietary software also, but each office that does so must specify its reasons in advance, and apparently must receive specific approval from a higher authority.
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| Netherlands Economic Affairs State Secretary Frank Heemskerk |
Although the passage of the plan is a clear victory for open-source advocates, the terms revealed to the AP appear somewhat watered down from the version Heemskerk proposed in September, according to Dutch reports and which BetaNews reported earlier this week. That plan would have called for Dutch government offices to have fully transitioned to open-source software by January 2009, without giving offices the option of requesting exemptions.
Over a five-year period, the Finance Ministry estimated this morning, existing plans to move local and municipal Dutch authorities' offices to open source software have collectively saved them over 30 million euros.
As if Sec. Heemskerk didn't have enough reason to celebrate, a second measure he's championing has also taken flight: Yesterday, the Dutch Lower House read into the record an open letter sent to it by the Dutch Consumers' Association and the Dutch branch of the Internet Society (ISOC), prompted by Heemskerk and calling for retailers there to start listing the prices for PCs and their bundled software separately, and giving buyers a way to request rebates for bundled software they'd rather not purchase.
"Bundled software," more often than not, includes Microsoft Windows and Office, but the letter also quite interestingly singled out Nero's DVD burning software as another example of a product for which consumers might want a refund.
"Anyone who buys a computer will often find by default all kinds of software, such as Microsoft Windows, but also Nero DVD and Microsoft Office or Works," reads a polished translation of the open letter. "The Consumers' Association and the association for Internet professionals ISOC are fighting together for the principle that consumers should be able to choose." It would be nice if consumers could reach a bargain about the software they purchase, the letter goes on. But today they can't because there's no way for them to know what part of their consumer purchase goes toward the software; and if it doesn't work out for them, it's unclear how they can get their money back.
Linux is, for all intents and purposes, just as good as Windows, the letter continues, except it's either cheaper or free.
According to the Dutch news source nu.nl this morning, the Lower House responded to the letter by formally asking the NMa to open an investigation into whether mandating that retailers break down their pricing into two tiers and offer rebate programs for the software tier, would be warmly received and pro-competitive. Since the NMa operates under its own timeline, however, it isn't certain yet when or if the NMa will comply with the request.
Oooh.. Dutchies and something being "Gratis". It is too tempting for them...
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sorry, placed in wrong spot
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If a large number of customers wanted open source software, all they have to do is ask for it. The fact that they have to enlist the aid of a government bureaucracy shows that it is just another special-interest group. The overall effect will be to raise the price of PC's, since dealers will have to go to the trouble of offering different versions. But prices are a lot higher in Europe than in the U.S. anyway because of such nonsense. Apparently they like it that way.
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I can't agree more. This is nothing but politics in disguise. They are not offering better competition, but forcing the government facilities to use only Open Source rather than Microsoft. It isn’t stopping there as the article also reads that Nero is also being targeted. Why not Intel, or AMD, HP, or Dell? (there has been a few stories though) The principle is still the same, or are they on his agenda as well. Open Source needs these companies to stay alive – why bite the hand that feeds you.
As it stands now, much of what you get on Windows is free or a trial version; and if you wish to use it, you will have to purchase it. We are now taking a step backwards from the days when everyone was complaining about Windows coming with nothing on it and they begged for programs. Every piece of software that comes on the PC with the exception of the OS (Windows) can be downloaded from the Internet either free or for a small fee. What or who are they (bureaucrats) really targeting - Microsoft - maybe even the American way of business.
I have nothing against those that are in favor of Open Source, I welcome it, but it grinds me when they (bureaucrats and IT Professionals) state they are doing it for everyone. Poor Consumer and Big Bad Microsoft! Most of your IT professionals download specific software, because it is what they have been taught or told by someone else. I know several companies that insist and have policies for their techs to install specific software onto servers and workstations (Firefox and others). When asked to give a rationale for doing so, the same rhetoric will be regurgitated back as it has for years. Some techs I talk with don’t even know why, but that is what they do. Isn’t this similar to inbreeding (watering down the gene pool) and therefore are we the IT we should be – professionals. We shouldn’t be doing things just because someone else is or told us too.
The consumer doesn't care either way. You put it in front of them and they will take it as it is. Only that they have been using MS for so long it will be difficult to change abruptly as this idiot wants. If there is such a demand for Open Source, then why hasn't it taken off as they claim it will? Dell, HP, Acer, and the like offer Linux on any system they sell - right along with MS. The reason for the additional software bundled with the OS, is to offer the consumer a variety of products. The consumers wanted something more than watching the pretty windows open and close. HP, Dell, and others have their own selection of companies allowed to offer products. I have never heard a consumer complain as of yet. But, bureaucrats always seem to state that the consumer is fed up. Those products help the selling of the PC, and because of these, computer prices are very competitive and quite reasonable by today’s standard.
The only ones that really care are the IT professionals and software makers - which is a field that is growing by leaps and bounds. The consumer doesn't care about Firefox as what most are led to believe. Some IT Guy tells his customers that "download this software, it is better than....," and the consumer does. Not understanding why or what even the software can do. Firefox and other software would go without updating, making their PC more susceptible to attacks than if they (IT Pro) had just learned to configure the computer correctly. (Until recently auto update was not available on Firefox.) Have we forgotten how to do this, or do we even care anymore.
Installing Firefox doesn’t miraculously make your computer safe. Those downloading Firefox were not doing it because it was superior, but because that was what they were told, and wouldn't have cared if they used either browser as long as it took them to the same place on the Internet. Now consumers are demanding secure PCs, but are being duped into thinking that they can only achieve this by either buying a Mac or downloading Firefox. I laugh at this logic. Do you not understand that software is developed by man and to error is human? As the demand for Open Source grows, so does its flaws as well as the attacks from adware and spyware makers.
It would be very difficult for the consumer to make an OS change. Though there are some similarities in the look of Open Source (OS) and Microsoft (heaven forbid), the ease of use as well as the ability for the consumer to upgrade or purchase a variety of products that will work correctly when installed will significantly be reduced. Less, not more choices will result.
I wish, for at least a small part that other manufacturers assist in curbing the anti-Microsoft movement into one that will promote all products and not just one or the other as we have here. There is a natural process that needs to take place in shaping the future of Open Source as well as Microsoft, and it needs to take place slowly so all can adjust/understand and be able to use the products that are introduced - both software and hardware. Forcing this change will bring about much confusion as well as chaos for those using and supporting those products. It benefits only some companies and bureaucrats as it stands now.
I apologize for being a bit disconnected in my thoughts, but...
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Who said this is HIS battle against Microsoft?
It appears to be his battle is FOR open standards. And it's not just his battle, it's the battle of MANY people, or at least it should be, unless one has a financial incentive to have one company set rules for storage and use of documents.
What's with, "Junior," it makes him appear like some twirp kid. The label under his picture says, "Netherlands Economic Affairs State Secretary."
When a government minister finds a way to save millions for his country AND have documents easily read well into the future, one might wonder why a story isn't praising him as being patriotic.
As for concerns about updates, one can simply update from within the software, as Firefox does, although it's also possible to use the freely available Star Office(I believe it's the same code as OpenOffice) for free via Google pack, and keep it updated with that too.
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"Open source software has many advantages....innovation has a real chance."
I hope thats a joke, that certainly is rarely the case.
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Then you truly don't understand the breadth and scope of open source. Ever heard of "the internet" for example? All the software that runs it is open source. On the other hand, look at how the amerikan telcos put limits on types of data traffic, even though they say they don't.
Yea, let's leave it up to the corporations to innovate.... and all you'll get is idiotic crap like Office 2007 and MS-OOXML.
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Why is it that everyone speaks of innovation with Open Source? Like they invented the word. Microsoft has just as much innovation as Open Source. I am not saying that Microsoft is the best, but lets get real and talk intellingently about software and companies. If you think that Office 2007 isn't innovative, then there is not sense in continuing any type of conversation with you.
Don't stand on your soap box yelling that only Open Source is better on that point, because you loose before finishing the word. There are a lot of innovative products Microsoft has out as well as Open Source. As well as there are many products that have incorporated for better and for worse aspects of another program created by someone else. Open Source does not own or have any leg up on innovation.
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The computer in todays world is just too important and critical to be owned and dominated by one company.
At a 90 something percent market share Microsoft is just too powerful. There has got to be a real alternative and that alternative has to be easily accepted and known about.
Right now the average person only knows one company, Microsoft. There has got to be a break in that cycle. People use Microsoft at work, Microsoft, Microsoft, microsoft. The government using it is a huge step. If only we could get our government in the usa to start using it on their desktops. It would be huge.
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If MS did not have the majority of market share then who would be the bad guy? Some one has to be, right? Usually its who ever is at the top.
Should a boxer throw a fight because he has won too many and been the champ too long?
Maybe Intel should stop selling chips for a quater and allow others to catch up in thier sales?
Basically no one should operate\act to thier full potential. It just isnt fair to those who under-perform or otherwise cant make the grade.
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Linux for all intents and purposes is just as good as microsft windows, the difference is developer and company support.
Oem's like dell and hp, accessory makers like logitech, nvidia and even Ati. All their products and technology are geared toward one platform, windows.
Linux developers have to reverse engineer practically everything just to make drivers.
Now imagine if billions of dollars that go to microsoft went to the linux community, considering the open source nature the os would be light years beyond where we are now.
The whole point here isn't say microsoft is too good that no one can compete.
It's the same thing as a world champion boxer, not being told he is winning to much he has to step down, but to force him to actually box on equal terms. If he is free to sabotage the competition, pick easy fights and hire hitmman to kill the others. Is he winning because he is that good or is it unfair competition?
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Linux as good as Windows? Surely you can't be serious? Your "box on equal terms" sounds like good 'ol communism to me, but then the market usually dictates who wins, not what is supposed to be better, even though you cry conspiracy and hitman, like Bill Gates is a latter day Al Capone.
Linux, I 'm afraid has sucked for ever as a serious alternative to windows, no matter how much you love it. Throwing billions of dollars at a flawed idea isn't going to fix it.
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cranbers,
It all sounds good but there is one problem. In the end people make the choice. Whether its informed or otherwise, they havent chose Linux. There is no money to b made there. Why would OEM's etc concentrate thier resources when they can make much more $ in the Windows world?
When its the open source community trying to appeal to companies that only see $ what do you expect to happen?
In some ways I dont even consider Linux to be a contender in this arena. Its on its own level in its own world. Theres nothing wrong with that either.
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It is not Microsoft's fault that their products are being used in many places. They have spent a lot marketing as well as developing programs to meet the demands that the consumer has wanted. This debate over MS and Open Source is much like that of HD-DVD and BlueRay.
You can find proponents for both side, but it will be the features that the consumer will use that will be the determining factor. Until Open Source makes its products adaptable, the consumer will continue to use Microsoft.
The consumer from any nation is looking for the ability to go down to the local BestBuy(insert your own), pickup the latest video card, install it, have it easily recognized by the system, and then play their favorite game and or application. Right now, they have that with about 98% successfulness. When Open Source works on this as well as their own marketing strategy to get in the face of the consumer, they will lose out everytime.
They are losing only because they are not offering the consumer any real competition to what they already have. I don't believe that anyone should be forced to make that change for any reason. I don't care the Microsoft is in my home and at my work, I have some level of consistency that I don't have to worry about what I do at home and bring to work will adapt and integrate with it.
Yes, part of this is Microsoft's fault, but that has been changing and will come about quicker and quicker. Microsoft has even recognized this change and is adapting, but then the Open Source community can only complain about this and not want them to play their game or invade their domain. I think then Open Source will lose its credibility. If you listen to some of the individuals in these forums, they don't bring up the real issues, but only that MS this and MS that, rather than true arguments. They just want to bad mouth MS, and I don't think they understand the real issues. Their goal is not for market share, but to destroy MS instead; and personally, that is where I could care less in listening.
I will not run down to my local store and dish out $$$$ on a Mac or Linux PC just because your argument is "Microsoft, Microsoft, Microsoft", or because "Microsoft is too powerful." I am happy with them for what they can do for me right now and that beats many Open Source products for now.
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Pre installed software is always a pain. Fortunately I have never bought a Retail box and so I always get to choose what gets installed. The only pain is when I buy a writer or other hardware and get a bundled program to burn with, and so I like to buy the OEM version.
Laptops are getting really hammered by bundled crap, most I see have half the hard disk running on the notification bar before it is ready to work.
A good move, id like to see systems with pre installed software on request, and even then free options made available. Id take anything before a 90 day norton and Office.
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"Laptops are getting really hammered by bundled crap, most I see have half the hard disk running on the notification bar before it is ready to work."
What??? So your saying they have 50 gig of crap running at once? WOW!! I dont buy it at all!
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You would not believe the extent SOME OEM companies put CRAP on new machines...
There is another thing that bugs the hell out of me on these OEMs too. They almost always come with a 90day office 2007 professional, which as we all know entwines itself into the OS to a point its very cumbersome at times to be rid of it even beyond the expiration of the trial.
At least apps like Nero, Roxio, and Wordperfect or whatever normally has a pretty straight forward uninstall process. Some Microsoft products do not.
I estimate a good gig or more is trash software, with useless or trialware spyware apps in it that have no purpose then forcing unwanted software on an ignorant consumer.
at least in the old days it was just a shortcut on your desktop to a webpage... now its full apps Fully installed in the system that takes a good amount of time to be rid of them.
A good example. Getting rid of office 2007, requires about 20 mins to remove and a full restart of the machine. Then an additional 20 mins to install an older office like 97/2000/XP/2003, or Openoffice. If you have works in the system too, its even worse, because Works still thinks 2007 is still there because the common files that works shares will not allow office 2003 to install unless you remove them first.
Then the endless browser Toolbars... Please let US decide what we want to use, not the OEM. Last Compaq I loaded for a client had Count em 4 toolbars on IE. I was like OMG WTF? That took a good hour to get rid of them all, as 2 of them did not uninstall correctly.
Personally I would LOVE to have a machine that has NOTHING on it when I buy it, then I can load what I want instead of wasting at times around 3 hours to get it to a point that its ready to start adding MY software to the system. Its just a waste, and a consumer disservice.
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I totally agree with you on all counts! My sentiments exactly!
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yeppers ! It just SPAMWARE
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Yeah, which is why "rebates" on these things would end up being negative ones!
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Well, your first mistake is getting a branded piece of crap (sorry for my language) such as Compaq, HP, Sony, Toshiba etc You want a fast Desktop/Laptop? This is how you do it. Buy everything separately in its own box: Boxed motherboard, boxed memory, power supply, CPU and build it yourself if you know how to or get someone trustworthy to build for you. Another mistake is to go to a shop where they custom build PCs. You NEVER know the type of rubbish they put in. You pay them a full price for "new" but they may install a refurbished/repaired motherboard, CPU etc. It's really sad to see a top of the range PC runnning like a snail with just 2/3 programs in the background...
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Some of those 90day office 2007 professional trials just begged to be cracked! Now wonder piracy is at an all time high!
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If you don't give the customers what they want sooner or later they will gang up and force you to sell the products they want.
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giving buyers a way to request rebates for bundled software they'd rather not purchase.
It's part of a bundle deal with it or build your own.
Next these hippies will be asking for rebates on video cards that come with games.
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OEM version.
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While using an open source will certainly cut costs in the short run, I would like to see the overall picture. These would be the cost to support, to maintain and ensure their applications are compatible with an open-source software.
Also I think it would have been wiser to try the open-source approach on a local level first and after that transfer an entire government to the new platform. But hey, they hate Microsoft and good luck to them!
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Hate them ? they provide too much money to hate them. They just see a means to cut millions from a budget, and so have chosen open source.
I just cant see Wsus deploying Oo updates :/
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There are other places on earth that are working on Open Source platforms since some years ago. It's not about hate but just money. If you can cut the cost of a $200-$400 license of Office then you have $200-$400 to use in other things.
For now is just money but after some time it will be standards and in-house extensibility. In that part Microsoft never liked to do as people want so they are at a disadvantage.
They have to cut prices now if they don't want their market share going down. But I think they are already late.
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No, in Europe its about hate towards Microsoft.
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