Be the signal

“There should be an insistence now at the policy level on open standards, thereby limiting the capture proprietary software companies have had in the past,” [Senator Lundy] said.

“Sydney-based open source research firm Waugh Partners has published a version of its Australian Open Source Industry & Community Report as a freely-distributable PDF file under a Creative Commons licence.”

“At last week’s Open 2020 Summit we had a video address from the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd. I noticed that the MPEG file for this was much smaller than the videos of the conference presentations.” — Kevin compresses well, I do not.

“Senator Kate Lundy hosted a pre-2020 Summit event in Canberra last week to generate ideas on how open source technology, open standards and open access to information might transform the way government departments and the business world operate.”

“Federal Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner believes hundreds of millions of dollars can be saved by improving systems guiding government procurement of services, particularly in information technology.”

“Ubuntu Linux was the only system left unscathed in a multi-platform hacking competition last week, but does that mean it is more secure?” — Clearly no one wanted to take home the Sony VAIO! I also made somewhat more serious comments.

“Waugh said a major aim of the survey was to correct misconceptions about the nature of open source development and its use in commercial environments. ‘We need real numbers so our industry has something to stand behind.’”

“The Australian open source industry generates AU$500 million of revenue every year, according to the inaugural Australian Open Source Industry and Community Census, released today at the NSW Trade and Investment Centre.”

“The report […] claims the argument that open source is not well-supported is a ‘misconception’. But according to the CIO’s of Australia’s three largest government departments […] support is a very real concern.” — Seriously misleading headline.

“The research shows that these companies are well-equipped to service public and private sector clients and provide high levels of support,” Mr Waugh said.