[luau] NEWS: MS anti-piracy push leads to Linux adoption in Taiwan

[Warren Togami]

http://www.kuro5hin.org/?op=displaystory;sid=2002/5/2/22414/46236

In Taiwan, the ROC government has launched an intense crack down on software
piracy. Facing the prospect of significant license fees on Microsoft
products, government departments, businesses and schools are switching to
Linux and free software on a significant scale. Microsoft Taiwan, trying to
obtain what it thinks are its proper license fees, instead has encouraged
consumers to switch to free software products. (Improvement thanks to danny)

Under the pressure from Microsoft and threats of US trade sanctions, the
government of Taiwan, Republic of China is agressively cracking down on
software piracy. Government departments, schools and businesses are under
pressure to come out with money to fulfill license fees. The Ministry of
Judical Affairs, responsible for law enforcement, tries to set an example by
signing a large purchase contract with Microsoft Taiwan. However, it is
criticized by legistlators who ask, why spend tax payer's money for
expensive licenses when Tzi-Yu (freedom, libre) Ruan-Ti (software) like
GNU/Linux is available?

Local governments, small businesses and schools, after studying the
trade-offs of Linux vs. Windows, are modifying their budgets to decrease
Microsoft software purchase and turning to Linux alternatives, like
"Chinese2000", a Chinese Linux distribution, "KaiOffice", an office suite,
and Star Office. The Dept. of Education of the City of Taipei switches its
budget originally set for MS software purchase to Linux skill training for
teachers. Linux vendors say the intense pressure from the crackdown has
contributed significantly to the awareness on GNU/Linux and its adoption.
Microsoft Taiwan's efforts to increase revenue have backfired, much to its
surprise. (last two linked documents in Chinese)

(This article has many interesting and informative comments.  Click to read
more.)
http://www.kuro5hin.org/?op=displaystory;sid=2002/5/2/22414/46236