Peru rejects Microsoft Windows

PERU HAS passed legislation that would force public institutions to consider open source software as an alternative to proprietary systems such as Windows.

Peru's Congress approved the legislation, which would prohibit any public institution from purchasing computer equipment that ties users to a particular type of software or "in any manner limits information autonomy." Public institutions would not be allowed to have a preference for either proprietary software, like Microsoft.

All bids would have to be decided on cost and suitability to particular needs. The reasons for software selection would have to be posted on the Internet, unless doing so could compromise national security.

However the end is not in sight yet for Vole. There is an outside possibility that it, along with other purveyors of proprietary products, might lean on the President Alejandro Toledo.

He can refuse to sign the bill into law and is currently remaining quiet about his views.

In the past, Toledo appeared alongside King William Gates III to announce the donation of $550,000 in money, software and consulting services to the Peruvian government for educational and "e-government" initiatives.

More in the Seattle Post, here. µ

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