[OS:N:] FYI: Rep. David Wu on open source

[Kym Buchanan <buchanak nwrel org>]

I'm pleased to call David Wu my representative. I recently contacted him
about open source software. His response offers no suprises, but at least
Rep. Wu (or his staff) has the gist. An excerpt:

---snip---

The debate concerning open source software versus proprietary programs has
passionate advocates on both sides. Proponents of open source software value
its ability to provide independence from the products of a few companies.
Opponents, on the other hand, feel that open source software threatens
intellectual property rights.

Currently, the debate often revolves around the quality, security, and cost
of open source software versus proprietary software. Although there has been
no systematic analysis of these comparisons, advocates on both sides of the
issue feel their software choice offers the highest quality and security at
the lowest cost.

You may be interested to know that the Federal Government is successfully
using open source software in various agencies, including the Department of
Defense, the Department of Agriculture, the Federal Aviation Administration,
and the Department of Energy. Several governmental reports urge expanded use
of open source software throughout the Federal Government.

As these issues evolve and the conversation about open source software
continues in Congress, please know that I will keep your comments in mind.

---snip---

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Kym Buchanan, Research Specialist
Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL)
Northwest Educational Technology Consortium (NETC)
101 SW Main, Suite 500, Portland, Oregon 97204
Telephone: (503) 275-9605
Fax: (503) 275-0449
Email: buchanak nwrel org
Web: http://www.netc.org

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