(this file last updated: Wednesday, 3 October 2001 4:03 pm)

Open letter to the Rt. Hon. Paul Swain, Minister for Information Technology, the Rt. Hon. Pete Hodgson, Minister of Research, Science and Technology, and the Rt. Hon. Trevor Mallard, Minister of State Services

Dear Ministers,

My colleagues and I would like you and the NZ government to consider an official position favouring "open source" software (OSS) for computing in the government and in business. We believe OSS presents a much better option for New Zealand than the current situation - nationwide dependence on the software sold by a single foreign vendor whose extremely competitive marketing tactics have caused considerable concern in the US courts.

Given that many governments worldwide are considering similar pro-OSS legislation, NZ taking the lead by adopting an "Open Source-Friendly" position would carry a positive weight in the global IT marketplace comparable to our Nuclear-Free stance. Moreover, we believe such a move would find considerable support from local IT vendors in addition to committed international OSS supporters like IBM, Intel, Sun, and HP/Compaq.

The Big Picture

You are all probably aware that more than 90% of computers in New Zealand run a version of the Microsoft^TM Windows^® operating system. As a result, the New Zealand government and most of our businesses are dependent on a closed-source (proprietary) software product developed by a single foreign vendor. In addition to sending hundreds of millions of dollars in license fees to the US, we stifle our domestic IT industry, which can only participate on the fringes of a market wholly controlled by a single player whose business practices are being investigated by governments worldwide, notably in the US ¹.

We, a group of New Zealand IT professionals, would like you and the government to consider a compelling alternative: "open source" software (OSS)² which is enjoying growing support within the IT community both domestically and internationally. We are prepared to present to you its capabilities, as well as our ability to support it. We would welcome an opportunity to discuss ways in which the government can encourage its use by means including legislation, tax incentives, and government funded initiatives.

At minimum, we would like a commitment from the government that all government funded publicly accessible software projects, like the current "e-government initiative"³, be built to open standards. Such a requirement would ensure access to anyone, whether they are using a proprietary or an OSS computing platform.

What is OSS?

The Linux operating system and other OSS has the potential to level the playing field. Unlike the closely guarded source code of proprietary software, anyone can freely access the inner workings of OSS, making domination by a single vendor impossible. In fact, neither Linux nor any other OSS is owned by any one company. They are the work of programmers worldwide, both paid and voluntary, who collaborate through the Internet, contributing working software code which is reviewed by their peers. Instead of selling software licenses, local vendors can and already do build profitable businesses on selling software installation, support, and customisation services based on OSS.

Built on Open Standards

OSS has the huge benefit that it is built to conform to open standards⁴, i.e. developed by non-partisan international standards bodies. This makes it possible for various types of open source and proprietary software applications to interoperate and exchange data. When a single company can dictate standards by leveraging its overwhelming marketshare, the potential for integration with competing products is effectively destroyed. It is worthwhile to note that the Internet itself, a collection of computers which can talk to one another via a standard called TCP/IP, owes its existence to OSS and would cease to be viable without it.

Benefits of OSS

Governments all over the world⁵ are considering legislation encouraging the use of OSS for economic and security reasons. It can cut costs, smooth interdepartmental integration, and increase capabilities. Its diversity makes it largely impervious to viruses in contrast to the computing "monoculture" of Microsoft Windows⁶. Its openness ensures that it has been thoroughly scrutinised for security vulnerabilities⁷. It fosters local industries because it is easy to access and modify ⁸. It is a boon for educational institutions because it is reliable, inexpensive to administer, secure and yet is open to the curious who want to "look under the bonnet" and learn how it works⁹.

Support for OSS

Corporates like SAP, Sun, Intel, IBM, and Hewlett-Packard/Compaq are committed to using OSS as a core part of their business and are investing significantly in enhancing its already impressive capabilities¹⁰. Countries like Mexico, Brazil, France, and China are already considering legislation to favour OSS deployment in government institutions¹¹, schools, and in business¹². Many of us have built our businesses around OSS and see a huge potential for New Zealand to "catch the knowledge wave" by legislating support for open standards and software diversity¹³ - it may be our only opportunity to demonstrate to ourselves and everyone else that as a nation of innovators we can stand with the best.

Yours faithfully,

David Lane, Director, Egressive Ltd. (Christchurch)

Co-signers:

If you would like to add your name to this list, please email Dave Lane with your details, in the format below.

1. David McNab, former Senior Project Engineer, JNA Telecommunications Ltd. (Sydney). Presently developing OSS for human rights projects abroad (Wellington)
2. Julian Carver, Director, Seradigm Ltd. (Christchurch)
3. Richard Waid, Director, iOpen Technologies Ltd. (Christchurch)
4. Brian Chatterton, Director, iOpen Technologies Ltd. (Christchurch)
5. Michael Doerner, Director, BayPC Consulting (Tauranga)
6. Hayden Glass, Consultant (journeyman, currently touring Siberia, formerly Auck)
7. Andrew Groom, Aphid Net Technologies (Christchurch)
8. Greg Driver, Director, Technology Benefits Ltd. (Wellington)
9. Robert Sherlock, Director, SmartWork Systems Ltd. (Christchurch)
10. Carl Cerecke, Assistant Lecturer, Dept. of Computer Science, University of Canterbury (Christchurch)
11. David Pugh, Director, Bootstrap IT Ltd. (Christchurch)
12. Terry Paddy, Director, Bootstrap IT Ltd. (Christchurch)
13. Dr Paul Gorman, Consultant (Auckland)
14. Josh Campbell, Director, Zype - Graphical Interface Design (Christchurch)
15. Dr Phil Driver, Director, Technology Link Ltd. (Christchurch)
16. Patrick Milne, Consultant, Southern Cypresses (Kaiapoi)
17. Mark Collister, BLVD Web Systems (Christchurch)
18. Rob Connell, Director, CH Flood Modelling (Christchurch)
19. Brian Falkingham, Partner BKT (Leeston)
20. Dr Sandhya Samarasinghe, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Advanced Computational Solutions, Lincoln University (Lincoln)
21. Ken Livingston, Business Analyst, On energy Ltd. (Christchurch)
22. Yuri de Groot, Quality Improvement Specialist, On energy Ltd. (Christchurch)
23. Chris Bayley, Director, CodeWeaver Technologies Ltd. (Christchurch)
24. Dr Tim Bell, Head of Department, Dept. of Computer Science, University of Canterbury (Christchurch)
25. Dr Don Kulasiri, Professor, Centre for Advanced Computational Solutions (C-fACS), Lincoln University (Lincoln)
26. Dr Euan G. Mason, Senior Lecturer, School of Forestry, University of Canterbury (Christchurch)
27. Steven Vincent, Business Systems Consultant, Computers etc (Tauranga)
28. Wynand Verwoerd, Senior Lecturer, Applied Computing, Mathematics and Statistics Group, Lincoln University (Lincoln)
29. Dr Ramesh Rayudu, Senior Research Engineer, Transpower NZ Ltd., Lincoln University (Lincoln)
30. Dr St�phane Popinet, Research scientist, NIWA (Wellington)
31. Matthew Sherborne, Senior Software Development Engineer, NextWindow (Auckland)
32. David Hallett, Solutions Architect, INTAZ Ltd (Hamilton)
33. Dr Bernhard Pfahringer, Senior Lecturer, Computer Science Deptartment, University of Waikato (Hamilton)
34. Roger Grice (BE), Managing Director, Lateral Profiles Ltd. (Auckland)
35. Drew Whittle, Computer Science Applied Research Centre, University of Otago (Dunedin)
36. Cameron Kerr, Broadband Research Group, University of Otago (Dunedin)
37. Alex King, Linuxworks (Dunedin)
38. Anthony Ross, Information Science Student, University of Otago(Dunedin)
39. Brian Bates, Manager, Sucuba Enterprises (Dunedin)
40. Andrew Mitchell, Computer Science student, University of Otago (Dunedin)
41. Donovan Jones, WAN Engineer, Comnet Networks (Wellington)
42. Jeremy Butler, Geographic Information Systems Student, University of Otago (Dunedin)
43. Stuart Rackham, Software Developer, methods: Software (Auckland)
44. Dr John H. Hauman, Computer Science Student, University of Otago (Dunedin)
45. Dr Ralph Loader, Senior Software Engineer, Intel New Zealand (Auckland)
46. Rob Harrowfield, Senior Technical Support Engineer, Axon Computertime (Auckland)
47. Patrick Gade, IT Manager, World Vision New Zealand (Auckland)
48. Irfon Jones, Geography/GIS Student, University of Otago (Dunedin)
49. Andy Elvey, analyst-programmer, CYFS (Wellington)
50. Ewing Caldwell, Lecturer, School of Information Technology, Auckland University of Technology (Auckland)
51. Susan Stroud, Director, TeeBow Technologies Ltd (Wellington)
52. Remyl Vrij, Director, Silicond@m, Knowledge Age Foundation
53. Michael Beattie, Debian GNU/Linux Developer, Worldwide (Dunedin)
54. Andrew Cope, Director, Evergreen Computing Ltd (UK, formerly Auckland)
55. Douglas Harr�, South Island Manager, EdCom Network (Christchurch)
56. Martin Wehipeihana, Zope developer, NetHomes (Wellington)
57. Christopher Sawtell, Author (Christchurch)
58. Kay Cao, PHD Student, Waikato University (Hamilton)
59. Michael Pearce, Systems Programmer, Chemistry Department, University of Canterbury (Christchurch)
60. Rex Johnston, Software/Network Engineer, Software Innovations Ltd (Christchurch)
61. Dr Johann Schoonees, Research Engineer, Industrial Research Ltd (Auckland)
62. Steve Kieu, Student (Auckland)
63. Phill Brown, Applied Science (Electronics) Student, University of Otago. (Dunedin)
64. John Woffindin, Director, Xoren Internet Solutions Group (Hamilton)
65. Richard Vowles, Borland New Zealand (Auckland)
66. Maurice Arthur, Orthodontist (retired), Home Linux user (Northland)
67. Chris Hellyar, Proprietor Ohmark Electronics & IT Manager Selwyn District Council. (Leeston, Canterbury)
68. Gordon Findlay, IT Services Manager, Christchurch College of Education (Christchurch)
69. Geoffrey Mills, Technical Manager, DataSure Management Systems Ltd (Auckland)
70. Kerry Milestone, Director, Orbital Nine Ltd. (Wellington)
71. Les Ferguson, Senior Software Developer, health information systems, Auckland
72. Greg Cockburn, Director, Performance Magic Limited (Wellington)
73. James Doherty, Student, Home Linux user (Auckland)
74. Richard Bain, WAN Administrator, ComNet Networks. (Wellington)
75. Ian Collins, System Manager IT (Auckland)
76. Greig McGill, RHCE, Systems Engineer, Compel Automation Ltd. (Hamilton)
77. Chris Hodgetts, TVNZ Sales Schedules and Development
78. Craig Falconer, Network Administrator for Avonside Girls' High School (Christchurch)
79. Sharon Cowling, Analyst/Programmer, SSLnz (Wellington)
80. Craig Love, Student Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) (Christchurch)
81. Stephen Robbins, Systems Administrator, Catalyst IT Ltd. (Wellington)
82. Andrew McMillan, Director, Catalyst IT Ltd; Director, Parents Centres (NZ) Inc; Debian Linux Developer (Wellington)
83. Glen Ogilvie, Web developer (Wellington)
84. Jeremy Naylor, Student, Whitireia Community Polytechnic (Wellington)
85. John Davey, IT Tutor, Aoraki Polytechnic (Timaru)
86. Ryan Macnamee, Software Developer, Datacom (Auckland)
87. Thomas Livingstone, Contractor, Livingstone Consulting (Wellington)
88. Dr Dale Smith, Manager, Research and Development, MetaGenetics (Rotorua)
89. Bruce Jeffrey, Technical Director, Quik Internet (NZ) Ltd (Auckland)
90. Alan McNatty, Analyst/Programmer, Catalyst IT Ltd, Home Linux user (Wellington)
91. Dennis Brown, Designer, Fairfax Business Media (Auckland)
92. Spiro Harvey, Director, Netgeeks Ltd (Wellington)
93. Andy Scholz, Independent Software Developer (Wellington)
94. David Lines, Director, Advanced Computer Support Ltd. (Christchurch)
95. Peter Thomas, General Manager, Quik Internet Christchurch (Christchurch)
96. Tony Wicks, Senior Network Engineer, TelstraSaturn (Auckland)
97. Mark Brennan, Management Services Executive, Westgate Port Taranaki (New Plymouth)
98. James Tyson, Director, Moebius Systems Ltd (Auckland)
99. Geoff McCaughan, Senior software engineer, Holliday Group Ltd. (Christchurch)
100. Jodi Thomson, Computer Systems Consultant, The University of Waikato Library (Hamilton)
101. James Lindsay, Data Specialist, Vodafone NZ ltd (Auckland)
102. Jamie Dobbs, Systems Engineer (Wellington)
103. Nathan Hemmings, PC Specialist, Tait Electronics Ltd, (Christchurch)
104. David French, Director, Prolite (HB) Ltd (Hastings)
105. Grant Alexander, Computing Systems Manager, PF Olsen and Company Limited
106. Chris Sefton, Web Site Designer & PHP Programmer (open source), Brochures Online Limited (Christchurch)
107. Vladimir Kosovac, Technical Support Manager, Spherion Group Ltd. (Auckland)
108. David Scott, Web Consultant and University Student, University of Otago (Dunedin)
109. Jane Tarbotton, General Practitioner, Mornington Health Centre (Dunedin)
110. Trent Mankelow, Software Engineer, Unisys NZ Ltd. (Wellington)
111. Stephen Judd, Senior Developer, The Web Limited (Wellington)
112. James McGlinn, Director, Moebius Systems Ltd (Auckland)
113. David Ritchie, Developer, The Web Limited (Wellington)
114. Craig Mckenna, IT Systems Manager, MindzI Group Limited (Hamilton)
115. Shay McAulay, Consultant, KPMG Consulting New Zealand Limited
116. Peter Bennett, Director, Bencom Ltd. (Auckland)
117. Ray Jackson, Computer Engineer, Clear Communications Ltd.
118. Tim Haines, director, Information Management Solutions Limited; director, Inspiration Technology Limited (Wellington)
119. Paul Daniel, Business Support Specialist, Serco Group NZ Ltd. (Wellington)
120. Vinko Buzak, IT Support Specialist, QED Software Ltd (Auckland)
121. Andy Wheeler, Information services Manager, Presbyterian Support (East Coast)
122. Reece Robinson, E-Business Architect (Auckland)
123. Brian Murphy, Systems Engineer, Real Solutions Ltd. (Auckland)
124. Dylan Reeve, Director, Evidential Communications Limited (Auckland)
125. Stephen Lewis, Computer Science Student, University of Otago (Dunedin)
126. Eaden McKee, Internet Developer, Asterisk Ltd Linux Specialists (Auckland)
127. Hurricane Hunia, Information Systems Consultant, Gardiner and Parata Ltd. (Wellington)
128. Brett Taylor, Web Designer/Developer, Freelance (Wellington)
129. Gregor Ronald, Teaching Technology Support Consultant, IT Dept., University of Canterbury (Christchurch)
130. Alfie West, Director, Digital Dog Ltd
131. Peter Harrison, Director Information Technologies, Nothing But Net Limited (Auckland)
132. Stephen Baird, Standards Analyst, Wellington City Council (Wellington)
133. Kirk Alexander, Programmer (Dunedin)
134. James Tolchard, IT Consultant (Christchurch)
135. Ruth Donnelly, Standards Publisher, Wellington City Council; Linux user (non-technical type) (Wellington)
136. Liz Reid, Computer Technician (Auckland)
137. Aaron Leith, home GNU/Linux user (Warkworth)
138. Jamie Norrish, Developer, The Web Ltd (Wellington)
139. Sam Cannell, Network Technician, Taita College
140. Neil Fincham, Network Administrator, Integral LTD (Rotorua)
141. Darryl Hamilton, Web Developer, Freelance (Auckland)
142. Nigel Roberts, Network Engineer, TelstraSaturn (Wellington)
143. Hamish Archer, Systems Engineering Manager, Peace Software International (Auckland)
144. Richard Hornell, Systems Manager, Hyphen8 Ltd, (Auckland)
145. Bob Brown, IT Consultant, Opus International Consultants Ltd. (Napier)
146. Scott McGill, Web/Graphic Designer (Hamilton)
147. Simon Garlick, Technical Marketing Specialist, Integrated Research Limited (Sydney)
148. Craig Mercer, Unix Systems Administrator, Wellington City Council (Wellington)
149. Igor Portugal, Technical Director, Asterisk Ltd (Auckland)
150. Nicholas Breen BInfSc, Coder, Nzoom.com (Auckland)

Notes:

N.B. the New York Times requires free "registration" before articles (see below) can be viewed.

1. "The Land of Monopolies" - sourced from the New York Times, see: http://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/01/weekinreview/01SCHW.html
2. For the official definition of "open source," please see: http://www.opensource.org
3. E-Government Note:
   Tony Blair's Labour government in the UK learned the hard way what happens when a monopolistic vendor is allowed to develop the government's public interface on the Internet (please consider this with regard to NZ's "e-government" initiative!):
   
   1. before - http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/4/19239.html
   2. after - http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/19659.html
   The site for those coordinating the development of an open/vendor neutral e-businesses infrastructure: http://www.netproject.com
4. Examples of open standards bodies are the Linux Standards Base (see http://www.linuxbase.org) and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) (see http://www.w3c.org) (Thanks to Julian Carver for these links)
5. The European Commission's Interchange of Data between Administrations (IDA) organisation has made available (in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) and MS Word formats (DOC)) a comprehensive range of documents related to OSS use in the public sector at: http://ag.idaprog.org/Indis35prod/doc/333
   (thanks to Brian Chatterton for this link)
   For a list of countries considering legislation to support OSS see: http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1003-200-6996393.html?tag=dd.ne.dtx.nl-sty.0
   and this is a link to the European Commission community research program (fifth framework program) which manages part of the science budget (information society technologies) for the European Union including research grants, international events, etc.: http://www.cordis.lu/ist/ka4/tesss/impl_free.htm#2001 (thanks to St�phane Popinet for this link)
6. For a report on the impact of viruses on business and world economies, see: http://cnnfn.cnn.com/2001/08/31/technology/wires/virus_re/
   The Gartner Group recently recommended that anyone using Microsoft's IIS webserver software switch a different platform, specifically recommending the open source Apache webserver, which also happens to be the marketleading webserver software. For the article, see: http://www3.gartner.com/DisplayDocument?doc_cd=101034
7. A version of Linux has been developed by the NSA as the new platform for the storage of secret data in the US: http://www.nsa.gov/selinux/
8. "New Economy" based on OSS - sourced from New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/04/technology/04NECO.html
9. For a good article on why OSS should be used in schools, please see: http://edge-op.org/grouch/schools.html
10. Major corporate support for Linux and OSS: http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/sep2001/pi2001096_399.htm
11. Government institutions are already seeing significant benefits from using OSS: http://www.newsforge.com/article.pl?sid=01/08/10/1441239
12. Because it needs security and reliability, the financial sector is taking a lead in adopting OSS: http://www.zdnet.com/eweek/stories/general/0,11011,2805343,00.html
13. For a compelling article on NZ's potential to benefit from the use of open source technologies, please see this article from the New Zealand Herald (on one line): http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=207470&thesection=technology&thesubsection=general