(U.K.) Schools set to go open source
Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 3:23 pm
Schools set to go open source
http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/ne ... ce-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.
http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/ne ... ce-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.