Toronto Municipal Open Source Revolution, anyone ?

[David J Patrick]

Byron Desnoyers Winmill wrote:

>If I may suggest: it may be appropriate to target your efforts on specific
>functions or departments.  The needs of a city are so diverse that it is
>absurd to suggest that they can just convert to Linux and save money.
>  
>
    I agree ! The subject is complex. The cities usage is diverse but 
perhapt we might develop an overview and thereby propose the most 
realistic and effective moves.

>It may also be more productive to ask the city to be more accessible
>online services.  This would benefit the users of alternative operating
>systems, who are stuck with older machines, have disabilities.  
>
    I agree with you here, as well. Luckily linux is a star on the server.

>(I don't
>know about you, but I couldn't access election results from the city
>website.  Are other online services that bad?)  Besides, with more
>accessible online services, chances are the city would be better
>prepared for the transition to Linux (I'm imagining the whole thing
>ending up as a disaster because various departments cannot communicate
>with each other).
>  
>
    On the contrary, If use of open standards are promoted, and 
application is server-based (non-platform specific) it should enhance 
interoperability. Open file formats alone would greatly improve 
immediate and long-term interdepartmental communication.

>If you go with the latter approach, please keep me in the loop.
>  
>
Byron.

but you ARE in the loop ;-)
djp


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