BANGALORE, INDIA: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing , C-DAC  has launched its Bharat Operating Systems Solutions (BOSS) Linux software version 3.0 developed by NRCFOSS (National Resource Centre for Free/Open Source Software).

BOSS  is a GNU/Linux distribution developed by NRCFOSS for enhancing the use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in the country. The NRCFOSS is promoted by the Department of Information Technology, MC&IT, Government of India to address the issues related to FOSS in the Indian context and to explore how FOSS can play the twin roles of helping to bridge the digital divide as well as strengthening the Indian software industry.

The software is also endowed with Bluetooth for short range of communications along with salient features like RSS Feed Reader and PDF Viewer to edit documents.

Speaking on the occasion, S. Ramakrishnan, director general, C-DAC said: "C-DAC is committed on developing software solutions that are technologically advanced, yet providing value to Indian user community. Our constant endeavor to increase the adoption of computing among a wide cross section of Indian users, especially those in government first time users and Indian language centric users."

He added, "NRCFOSS has achieved another milestone by launching the advanced version of BOSS. The accessibility of BOSS V 3.0 in government organizations and educational institutions will further increase usability and help bridge the digital divide in India as the software can now support 18 desktop languages."

Most of the government computer users require software for common tasks like office applications (Word processor, spread sheet), accessing the Internet and multimedia in a secured environment. However, to bring it on every desk the software should be low cost and preferably without any licensing fees. At this scenario, free and open source software like BOSS can meet these requirements offering the same in a cost effective manner even as FOSS based platforms and solutions are gaining increasing adoption worldwide, C-DAC endeavors to bring FOSS based platforms, tools and solutions to Indian market place.

BOSS is also relatively immune to common computer viruses, worms and spy ware and is targeted at the government user initially. The ultimate objective of creating BOSS Linux is to enable the non-English literate people of India, to be exposed to the benefits of FOSS and GNU/Linux.

With the BOSS V 3.0, which has been localized to 18 Indian languages, more people will turn to FOSS as an alternative to using illegal unlicensed proprietary software.

The accessibility of BOSS Linux will have a constructive impact on the digital divide in India as more people can now have access to software in their local language to use the Internet and other information and communications technology (ICT) facilities. Community Information centres (CIC's) and Internet cafes will also benefit from BOSS Linux as this software can be utilized to power these outlets and it is affordable and easy to install, use and support.