Writing at CNET, Stephen Shankland and Michael Kanellos report on a proposal garnering support by state legislators that could prohibit California state agencies from using non-open source software — including Microsoft products. A rally will take place in conjunction with the Linux World Conference this week in San Francisco to support the proposed initiative. Reported corporate backers of the proposal include IBM, MandrakeSoft, Red Hat, and Linux International . . .

“Open-source software advocates will unfurl a legislative proposal next week to prohibit the state of California from buying software from Microsoft, or any other company that doesn't open its source code and licensing policies “

“Termed the Digital Software Security Act, the proposal essentially would make California the 'Live Free or Die' state when it comes to software. If enacted as written, state agencies could buy software only from companies that do not place restrictions on use or access to source code. State agencies would also be given freedom to “make and distribute copies of the software,” according to the proposal . . . “

Read full story

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.