In India, states such as Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Uttaranchal are in the forefront in adopting Linux-based solutions for their e-governance projects. Jyoti Satyanathan General Manager, Linux (ASEAN & South Asia), IBM India, shares various initiatives taken up by IBM India to promote its open source strategy, in an exclusive interview to Sify.com.
What is the objective behind setting up the Centre of Competency (CoC) for Linux at Bangalore?
The Linux CoC’s prime objective is to provide a hands-on environment to test, develop and drive application and solution development. It will also offer support, consulting, and education and provide Linux products and solution certification. The centre will help clients take full advantage of the reliability, flexibility and total cost of ownership (TCO) that Linux provides. It will be similar to existing global centres, equipped with a wide selection of IBM hardware, software and services so that users can test and gain insights into how Linux could help their business and operations.
Whom are you trying to target with the launch of this CoC?
The CoC will allow development of new Linux-based solutions for governments, academia and customers in India. The centre will provide our technology vendors and business partners an opportunity to play a significant role in the worldwide Linux community.
Worldwide, many governments have accepted Linux and are using open source technologies. What is the scenario of Linux adoption in government in South Asia and India in particular?
Several South Asian nations, including Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia, have taken positive steps to adopt Linux. Some are already using the technologies of Linux while others are trying to. The governments are very positive. If you look at e-governance, it is the prime commodity. You will get many advantages using Linux. Considering advantages that come from the adoption of Linux, one can work with Linux the way he or she wants. Linux gives complete freedom.
What are the various e-governance initiatives undertaken by IBM India?
E-governance initiatives have already been undertaken in Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Uttaranchal among many. All this is based on open source technology, including Linux. We are also talking with several other states, including Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu.
IBM India is building awareness and advocates adoption of the Linux platform in the country through various round table discussions and talks with key target audiences such as the recently organized round table with MAIT in Bangalore.
The National Institute for Smart Government (NISG) and IBM India have signed a MoU earlier this year as the beginning of a nationwide e-governance initiative. This MoU is a significant initiative in the direction of helping the country to develop different e-governance applications using open standards and e-governance frameworks.
What, according to you, prompts the governments to adopt Linux in their day-to-day functions with citizens? What are the prime factors?
Linux is cost-effective. This is one of the factors. More than this, it is freedom one can get from single ownership and freedom from architecture attracting many governments to go for Linux. Adoption of Linux is prime time in government.
How big is the Linux market in India? How does IBM perceive India as Linux market?
We recognise the market opportunity in India as part of our greater Linux strategy. In the next few years, IBM sees the adoption of Linux and open source happening in a phased manner.
IBM believes that governments will give due consideration to open source software, such as Linux. We feel solutions based on these technologies should be evaluated on equal terms with commercial software on the basis of objective criteria such as compliance to open standards, functionality, reliability and security.
The key to Linux growth in India is that it is a cost-effective option. Worldwide, more than 175 IBM government customers have embraced Linux to save costs, consolidate workloads, increase efficiency and enact e-government transformation.
Can you give us an idea about the rate of adoption of Linux in India?
Use of Linux is spreading across the business world and governments at an unprecedented rate. In all industries, including telecommunications, petroleum, financial services, government, CAD/CAM, the economics of Linux is simply overwhelming. This trend is to continue and spread to other segments.
Autor: Ashish T
Quelle: Sify, 09.09.2004
