Open-source software to replace pricey Microsoft. (Information Technology).

Vietnam Investment Review, May, 2003

THE government is to push up development of open-source software applications so it can replace the currently-used Microsoft system in government office computers so that they won't have to pay massive copyright fees to Microsoft.

This is necessary because of the Bilateral Trade Agreement with the US, which is placing strong restrictions on software piracy, as many offices in Vietnam have until now used software without paying for the rights.

In using open-source products, the country only needs to pay money for service, which is much cheaper than the cost of copyright.

The strategy will focus on developing the Linux operating system, among others.

"The government has agreed in principal to boost building open-source products to replace...