If as is reported in some circles, Microsoft has agreed to provide Windows
source code to India so as to prevent growth of Linux, it is a great news.
However, it is not clear if this is just another strategy of Microsoft to win
over the State Governments to adopt to Windows platform in the e-Governance
projects, against the opposition from informed circles.
Even if this is true, it is necessary to understand the modalities regarding the
deposit of the source code. More importantly, it is necessary to understand who
will certify that what is deposited is indeed the latest version of the software
in the market and not a manipulated version for the sake of satisfying the
formality. Obviously, it cannot be a self certification from Microsoft.
While one of the main reasons quoted for this unprecedented offer from Microsoft
is to counter the preference for Linux in Government projects on cost
considerations, it is also necessary that the e-Governance projects must also
consider the "Unknown Security Risk" inherent in a proprietory software against
the more preferable "Known Security Risks" of an open source software.
It is therefore necessary that the Source Code be deposited with a designated
National Cyber Security body which should also be authorized to pick up any copy
marketed in India and analyse the source code besides receiving the source code
copy directly from Microsoft.
Will this happen?..Let us wait and watch.
Naavi
December 15 , 2002
Related Articles:
Government to Rewrite Source Code in Linux- Economic Times
Microsoft set
to reveal Windows source code in India-The Inquirer
India
moving to Linux-The Inquirer
