You are here: silicon.com > Software > Operating Systems

Operating Systems

Brazil to go open source

Aims to save billions

By Ron Coates

Published: 22 April 2004 15:15 BST

The Brazilian government is to go open source in a big way to slash the $1.1bn a year it spends in licence fees.

After trials in a dozen agencies, including the Ministry of Defence, according to the Financial Times, Brazil's government is putting a major effort into cutting its dependence on foreign software suppliers.

According to the report, at least five ministries are to switch their internet servers and most desktops to open source. The federal government is also providing incentives to state and local governments to follow suit.

It has launched a training programme, which will start next week, to teach installation and use of open-source software to an initial group of 1,400 engineers.

The government hopes that the switch to open source will stimulate its own computer industry. The massive country has taken to the internet with tremendous enthusiasm. It has the world's eighth-largest number of web servers and some of the highest growth rates for internet adoption and PC purchasing.

  1. Zones
  2. Management
  3. Networks
  4. Software
  5. IT Services
  6. Hardware
  1. Verticals
  2. Public Sector
  3. Financial Services
  4. Retail & Leisure

for IT White Papers Newsletter


  • Jobs
Unix / HP - UX Engineer

In UK Defence, EDS is recognized as the premier company delivering information and technology services to all areas of the Ministry of Defence. ...

Shift Supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS Essential: At least 3 years experience in the Telecommunications or Data Communications sector ...

Snr Java Developer

Based in Dublin City Centre with a Product Development company, leading and innovative in their market place, providing security software and ...

Agenda Setters 2008
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.





Quick Sitemap Links: