Neither Open nor Close

BANGALORE, INDIA: Should the government get into the job of deciding which OS their departments should use? Yes and no.

This is a big question facing nodal IT policy framing agencies for respective state governments in India as well as vendors and users. While various stakeholders have responded differently on this, depending on how they are affected, my take on this is a little philosophical.

On one hand, I agree that finally it should be the users choice and he or she should not be saddled with unwanted solutions. On the other hand, I feel that new initiatives today need patrons and support, especially during take off. And, governments can and must play the patrons role once in a while.

The users may be the best decision makers on what hardware and software to use, but the fact is that technology decisions are often taken on factors other than just product qualities and price. There are several soft factors that come into playcomfort level and usage habits, relationships with suppliers, outstation and overseas training opportunities, conference invitations, and so on. Obviously, small and upcoming players will not be able to offer much of these. And, therefore, do not stand a chance, unless there is someone who is ready to push their case.

If we talk specifically about Windows and Linux, then there are surely advantages as well as disadvantages with both. I need not delve on them, but I know so many users who vouch for either. I am sure, if they are forced to use what they do not like, they will definitely not be very happy users. And, that is not a great thing to happen in a democracy.

On the other hand, in many areas including the government, which will be a huge user of IT in the years to come, there will be a need for some sort of uniformity. Thus, Linux and Windows will need to co-exist. For instance, a land record database in Andhra Pradesh will need to talk to the land record database in Kerela, or the motor vehicle registration database in Delhi will need to be compatible with the similar database in Bangalore. This will just not happen if Linux and Windows keep fighting with each other.

Indian users, both in the government and private enterprises, can actually force Linux and Windows to work closely, so that both the great OS can be used in India, and be leveraged properly. And, users also have more freedom and flexibility. The end result, I can guarantee, will be more innovative applications, and higher adoption of IT. That is what everybody aspires for, including Microsoft and Red Hat.

I am sure this is a global challenge, and will be welcomed everywhere in the world. The Governments, perhaps one the biggest potential markets, can form a global alliance to persuade and force Windows and Linux to work together. I am sure better sense will prevail.

The author is Group Editor of Dataquest.

ibrahima@cybermedia.co.in