European Union Recommends Open Source Linux based systems

January 16th 2007
By Phillipa Green

The European Union has issued an endorsement of open-source software, offering a boost of confidence for businesses considering the move to and use of the Linux operating system and related applications software.

A report on the economic impact of Free / Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) on the European information and communication technologies (ICT) sector has found that it could increase Europe's competitiveness.

'Given Europe's historically lower ability to create new software businesses compared to the US, due to restricted venture capital and risk tolerance, the high share of European FLOSS developers provides a unique opportunity to create new software businesses and reach towards the Lisbon goals of making Europe the most competitive knowledge economy by 2010,' states the report, which was requested by the European Commission's Enterprise DG.

The full report can be accessed from http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ict/policy/doc/2006-11-20-flossimpact.pdf

The report is likely to enhance the Linux certification tracks, as more business opt out of the Microsoft based network systems in favour of the cheaper Linux open source alternative

Microsoft has been attempting to persuade IT professionals and businesses that Microsoft Windows based networks and systems can be cheaper than Linux, though its Get the Facts campaign.