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Open Source and Open Standards in the Portuguese Business and Academic Environments. António José Coutinho Universidade do Minho Eurotux – Informática, SA. Proprietary Software. Under the manufacturer's control Customer pays “user licenses” No access to the source code - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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http://www.eurotux.comTel. 253 257 395 - Fax. 253 257 396
Rua de S. José, nº 100, 4710-311Braga
Open Source and Open Standards
in the Portuguese Business and Academic Environments
António José CoutinhoUniversidade do MinhoEurotux – Informática, SA
2 Network Society and the Knowledge Economy
Proprietary Software
Under the manufacturer's control Customer pays “user licenses” No access to the source code Can't be copied or distributed
Natural tendency for monopolies Extremely costly to develop Marginal price is small, for each copy
3 Network Society and the Knowledge Economy
Free / Open Source Software
Main characteristics Freedom to use, copy, modify and distribute Free access to the source code Developed by large number of volunteers Respects standards and interoperability Fast validation and error correction Dependability and durability Lower costs
4 Network Society and the Knowledge Economy
Free/Open Source Software
Software as a service, not a product Empowers the customer Strengthens professional qualifications Creates opportunities for small and medium
technological companies Reduces costs
5 Network Society and the Knowledge Economy
Main Threats
Technological / market power threats Limited interoperability Closed protocols and formats
Legal / political threats Software patents I.P. Protection “collateral damage” Vendor-biased procurement/education policies
6 Network Society and the Knowledge Economy
Portuguese Environment
Small software industry Mostly in country specific areas (accounting...) Almost no mass-market software
Most companies simply resell software Low value-added services High barriers of entry
Small market size Language
7 Network Society and the Knowledge Economy
F/OSS Opportunities
Customers shift reliance from distant large companies to small local companies
Opportunities for service-based companies Allows programmers to contribute to global
f/oss software Creates scope for specific projects
(e.g. Linux Caixa Mágica) A chance for Portugal to overcome its lag
8 Network Society and the Knowledge Economy
Case Studies (personal experience)
University of Minho Early adopter Flexibility / empowerment
Eurotux SA Linux-related services and consulting
AEIOU, SA Final user
