SE Asian govts plan to topple Windows

TOKYO: Japan, South Korea and China are set to agree to jointly develop a new computer operating system as an alternative to Microsoft Corp.'s Windows software, Japanese media reported on Sunday.

Quoting sources close to the matter, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) said that, if the plan matures, the three nations are likely to build upon an open-source operating system, such as Linux, and develop an inexpensive and trustworthy system.

The plan is to be proposed by Japanese Trade Minister Takeo Hiranuma at a meeting of economic ministers from the three nations in Phnom Penh on Wednesday, it said, adding that agreement was seen as likely.

Government officials were not available for comment.

The Nikkei said the recent spread of computer viruses targeting the Windows system was one reason behind the plan, as it has awakened governments to the need to reduce their dependence on Windows operating systems.

A framework for developing the system would be set up during meetings by government ministers in mid-September, followed by committee meetings involving private-sector specialists from each of the three nations in November.

The three governments may even consider partly subsidising development of the new system, which could eventually be used in government computer networks.

© Reuters