Open Source for Jamaica

First of all, for the benefit of those who are not familiar with the term Open Source let me explain in the most basic way, Open Source software is software that is FREE, free to use, distribute, or modify as you please. You can do this because the code used to compile the software is public and under a special license which allows this.

So lets take a look at how open source software can help Jamaica, economically, educationally and aid in the security of our government computer systems, those present and those to come. 

• Open source software saves money: Possibly one of the most appealing options to users, presently the Jamaican Government spends millions in fees paid to Microsoft to use propitiatory software (closed source) such as Windows, Microsoft Office etc. this of course could be placed in many other areas which are in need. 

 

• Just as good if not better than closed source: Gone are the days when using certain Linux distros (Operating systems similar to Microsoft Windows, somewhat) would be frustrating and tiresome, installing and using Linux, especially Ubuntu Linux is now and breeze. It is beautifully designed and lacks nothing as far as operating systems go, it comes with thousand of free quality applications and is backed by a strong international community. 

 

• Used by Governments around the world:  The US department of defense uses Linux to run its servers and some desktop computers, the US Navy uses Linux, the local Government for Munich Germany uses Linux on over 14,000 desktops, The French parliament uses Ubuntu Linux, China's state owned bank uses Linux on all its computer, Cuba created its own version of Linux and uses it, the US postal service, the Government of Mexico, Universities etc.. use Linux as often as possible to have greater cost effectiveness and security. 

So why aren't we using it?the fact of the matter is, we are a developing country and wherever we can cut cost we must, there is no question about it. Even now our Government is seeking ways to raise more money to appease this budget where more than half of it will go to debt repayment  Our Government must try to move towards more web based systems, in other words, systems that gets all its information via Internet Protocols and runs from a secure web application server thereby allowing for more flexibility on the client end. There are remarkable things that can be accomplished from your web browser, having this set up and utilizing Ubuntu Linux as an operating system throughout Government will not only save taxpayers millions, but increase security and also if you think about it independence.