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According to a blog post by Red Hat, Microsoft was given a three year contract, with no public bidding, which Red Hat and 17 other technology groups are appealing. The contract was worth 14 million Swiss Franc (approximately equivalent to £8m or $12m) per year, and was awarded by the Swiss Federal Bureau for Building and Logistics, for “standardized workstations” and the applications and support that go with it.

The government agency claimed the decision was made because there was “no sufficient alternative to the Microsoft products”, however Red Hat stated that several other Swiss government agencies are using alternatives, provided by Red Hat.

Red Hat produce open-source software, namely Linux operating systems, which are targeted towards the commercial market. The money is made by selling subscriptions, which provide support for their products, amongst other services.

Red Hat is leading a group of 18 technology companies who are “seeking a public bidding process that allows for consideration of the technical and commercial advantages of open source software products”. The companies have filed a brief with Swiss Federal Administration Court, and aim to have the contract with Microsoft overturned.

Open-Xchange, one of the other companies offering alternatives, said “We have alternatives to what Microsoft is offering, so at least we should have a chance at the bidding process,” according to an article by PC World. “The IT landscape changes so rapidly, it makes sense to have the freedom to change components without lock-in.”

The same Happed in Maldives NCIT project, have to say that they went through a bidding eveluation but their, bidding document has no option  to Open source. i dont want to mention his name or i dont know to who’s recomendation they came up with the idea of going to microsoft license.

and a senior person in NCIT said to me “there wont be experts to give support if we go for open source” i would like to say to him rethink again if he have seen last nights ITC HELP show. a group of dedicated youths brought happiness to our face am one of thoes with huge smile. with Ubuntu Dhivehi Version. for more information visit www.moss.mv

launch a new education notbook – the Latitude 2100 netbook($369+) for the education market. It was designed for students in the classroom, features a rubberized case for easier handling and increased durability, a clean vent-free bottom that helps avoid intrusion from spills, an optional carrying strap to make easier to carry around. And the notebook also has a network activity lights so that wireless connectivity can be monitored by educators and a webcam option.
Latitude 2100 utilizes Intel’s 945GSE chipset. Here’s other important specs and options:
- Intel Atom N270 processor
- Up to 1GB fixed RAM; Additional memory slot to accommodate up to 2GB RAM total
- Display: 1024×576 LED screen, optional touch screen
- Storage options: standard hard drive options up to 250GB; SSD drive up to 16GB
- Battery: 3 and 6-cell battery options
- Wired Connectivity: 10/100/1000Mb Gigabit Ethernet
- Wireless Connectivity: 802.11g standard, option 802.11n
- Ports: 3 USB, VGA, headphone/speaker out, mic
- Expansion slot: SD/ MMC card reader
Available in several operating system options: Ubuntu 8.10, Windows XP Home or Vista Home Basic. The Latitude 2100 will be availble in 5 colors: Schoolhouse Red, School Bus Gold, Blue Ribbon, Ball Field Green and Chalkboard Black. Prices start at $369.

The work on Ubuntu Dhivehi Translation recently have picked up speed with new members joining in the team and contributing.

We request all individuals who are willing to contribute to join us in helping with the translations. You can join the team by clicking here and registering yourself as part of the team.

You would be able to get more help and participate in the discussions here.

Source : mvlinux