French Parliament Votes To Give Priority To Free Software 98
An anonymous reader writes "The French Parliament just wrote into law the first instance of Free Software priority in a public service, by adopting the Bill on Higher Education and Research. [Advocacy association April], after extensively contributing to the debate, especially welcomes this vote and congratulates Deputies and Senators for recognizing the importance of Free Software in the Public Service for Higher Education, since it alone can ensure equal access to the future public service. April hopes that this first step will be followed by other legislation in favor of Free Software. It also thanks all the persons who mobilized and contacted the Parliament Members."
Re:What changed (Score:5, Informative)
Not so long ago corporate shill Sarkozy was voted out and leftist Hollande was voted in.
In some countries a change of government does mean a change of policy.
This reminded me to check on Munich... (Score:5, Informative)
Started in 2004, it still seems to be going well at first glance:
http://www.zdnet.com/no-microsoft-open-source-software-really-is-cheaper-insists-munich-7000010918/ [zdnet.com]
Re:Free or open source? (Score:5, Informative)
Free software = logiciel libre. Libre => liberté.
In French, there is no ambiguity between libre and gratuit.
Re:Actually, it's the wrong thing. (Score:3, Informative)
If open source is so much better, it ought to win on merits.
It does. Proprietary software wins on lock-in, licensing and legacy.
Re:Actually, it's the wrong thing. (Score:5, Informative)
No it doesn't, the license agreement on proprietary software provides no warranty whatsoever on the software, you have exactly the same ability to seek redress from the vendor as you do with open source - none.