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Midwest-Linux
May 23rd, 2008, 09:20 PM
Schools set to go open source

http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2217224/schools-set-open-source-4017531

Tender seeks suppliers for an £80m framework deal
Janie Davies, Computing, 22 May 2008

Open source software has won Becta's approval

Officially sanctioned open source and free-to-use software could be in use across the UK education system within months after government education agency Becta issued a tender for a four-year framework agreement.

Becta is looking for up to 10 software suppliers to participate in the £80m framework that will launch in October. This will replace its software licensing framework, in place since April 2005.

The contract notice says: “We are particularly seeking suppliers which can provide a comprehensive choice of software solutions including appropriate open source and free-to-use alternatives and advise users on best-value licensing.”

Solutions should be cost-effective, but provide freedom of choice, said a Becta spokeswoman.

“We’re providing guidance on the educational elements and looking for suppliers that can provide comprehensive choice,” she said.

Ian Lynch, a member of the Open Schools Alliance, said: “Canonical with Ubuntu, perhaps Mandriva, Sun Microsystems or Novell/Suse might bid, as all have integrated open source software solutions that could satisfy the framework requirements.

smoker
May 23rd, 2008, 09:31 PM
good to see, and i hope canonical are in there with a bid.

off the same link though, becta have also signed a deal with ms:
http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2216819/microsoft-retains-education

anyway, i think when open source is implemented and used, future deals with ms may be unlikely.

LaRoza
May 23rd, 2008, 09:49 PM
Good for the UK. I suggest they not dance around with the kiddie distros and allow everyone to install and configure their own workstations. Perhaps every kid gets an Arch or Gentoo disk and a manual. Schools are for learning after all.

smoker
May 23rd, 2008, 10:01 PM
... Perhaps every kid gets an Arch or Gentoo disk and a manual. Schools are for learning after all.

are you kidding? uk school kids would use them as frisbies, or the parents would sue the school for mental cruelty:lolflag:

(disclaimer: not all kids, and not all parents:confused:)

K.Mandla
May 24th, 2008, 12:32 AM
Moved to Community Cafe ... which sounds odd, but it's true.