[EAS]Open Source Endorsed

[pjk]

Subject:   Open Source Endorsed

(from Edupage, October 30, 2002)

REPORT HAILS OPEN SOURCE, FAULTS DETRACTORS
A new report says that because it is free and easily distributed, FOSS
(free and open-source software) is already used much more widely in the
U.S. Department of Defense than "generally recognized." The report also
faults developers of proprietary software for making unfounded claims
about the security of FOSS, preventing it from "reaching optimal levels
of use." The report was written by Mitre, an engineering and IT
nonprofit that works with the federal government. Mitre recommends that
the Defense Department compile a "Generally Recognized As Safe" list of
software and support a diverse set of applications.
ZDNet, 30 October 2002
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104-963869.html

The story was also reported in:
http://www.internetwk.com/breakingNews/INW20021029S0015
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/cnet/stories/963875.htm

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Microsoft has been lobbying the Defense Information Systems Agency
and the office of defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld for some time,
e.g. <http://www.vnunet.com/News/1132165>. This new Mitre report is
the latest salvo in the other direction.  --PJK