Dutch Gov't Doubles Back On Open-Source Goals

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Dutch Gov't Doubles Back On Open-Source Goals

Posted by timothy on Sunday December 12, 2004 @12:12AM from the oversight-overseeing dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Despite a 2002 unanimous vote by the Dutch parliament to prefer open standards and open source, exclusive negotiations with Microsoft were started. MPs have started asking questions already, but will add some more now that a Dutch journalist discovered that the deal will cripple the open source ambitions. The deal not only covers desktop software, but lets Microsoft deliver server software and support as well. MPs are outraged, and the EU may investigate why no mandatory public bid was started. In an open letter to the government, public organizations and open source companies like Novell raise hell. How can you ever fight bureaucrats?"

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How can you ever fight bureaucrats? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-12-12 00:18 · Score: 2, Funny

I was going to say 'steal their brains' but that won't work either.
Re:Excellent news! by Anonymous Coward · 2004-12-12 00:44 · Score: 2, Funny

Thank you lord bill for more words of wisdom to put in the sacred documents.

the "monks of bill(tm)" will faithfully document the teachings of the great one and spread it far and wide for all to enjoy and be required to read as per their signing over their soul in the EULA they hath clicked on.

the time to harvest those that have unknowingly joined is almost at hand!

we are prepared oh great bill. please give us guidance here on your holiest of communication boards where we fight evil that is known as linux.

Oh may ah may atrium!
Re:Ignore me, I misread... by El_Muerte_TDS · 2004-12-12 00:54 · Score: 4, Funny

Last time I post first thing after getting up!

Well, you shouldn't post before getting up either.
Microsoft can't compete on a level playing field by QuietLagoon · 2004-12-12 01:39 · Score: 2, Funny

Microsoft needs non-public backroom agreements in order to get their software accepted. Plus some loose money here and there (a la Ed Black and the CCIA) always seems to help Microsoft get their software in place.
Re:Maybe not as bad as it seems by mollymoo · 2004-12-12 01:51 · Score: 4, Funny

this does not change the fact that on mid and long term, the alternative of open source software receives all attention

The Netherlands' mum:
But you promised you would move to open standards years ago!
The Netherlands:
I'll do it tomorrow.
The Netherlands' mum:
That's what you always say and it never gets done, does it? Have you tidied your room like I asked you to?
The Netherlands:
I'll do it tomorrow. God I hate you. I didn't ask to be born!

--
Chernobyl 'not a wildlife haven' - BBC News
If you can't fight them... by Reverant · 2004-12-12 02:08 · Score: 2, Funny

...fire them!
There's two things I can't stand... by Anonymous Coward · 2004-12-12 02:16 · Score: 1, Funny

1) People who are intolerant of other peoples' cultures,
2) and the Dutch.
Re:OT: What does "Dutch" mean? by NoOneInParticular · 2004-12-12 02:41 · Score: 2, Funny

Actually, Holland has occupied the Netherlands, and those pesky Dutch are simply trying to profit from this.
Fryslân boppe!
</tongue in cheek>
For the rest of the world by SmallFurryCreature · 2004-12-12 05:32 · Score: 4, Funny

That is somebody from the province of friesland. To translate to an american, think inbred right-wing religious freak hillbilly from the deepest south. Very little is known about friesland wich has its own langauge wich isn't related to any known language. (goverment tv transmits some programs in fries. It is rather telling that they always seem to be about farming and have at least one interviewy with his/her arms up a cow) If your a foreign visitor and you find yourselve stuck on the "afsluitdijk" heading east from Amsterdam STOP AND TURN BACK. On no account head on. They eat people there.
Sometimes some of the fries make it west accross the "afsluitdijk" and cause havoc in Amsterdam before they are beaten up by the locals. If you ever see a fight in Amsterdam it is always a farmer from friesland or it close relative groningen.
Every country got parts it ain't proud off. Americans got the bible belt. The united kingdom got wales. Germany got all off germany and The Netherlands got friesland. We are still trying to convince them to start a war of independence.

--

MMO Quests are like orgasms:
You may solo them, I prefer them in a group.
Re:Maybe not as bad as it seems by krumms · 2004-12-12 07:59 · Score: 3, Funny

The Netherlands' mum:
But you promised you would move to open standards years ago!

The Netherlands:
I'll do it tomorrow.

The Netherlands' mum:
That's what you always say and it never gets done, does it? Have you tidied your room like I asked you to?

The Netherlands:
I'll do it tomorrow. God I hate you. I didn't ask to be born!

Vile woman! You've impeded my progress from the day I escaped from your wretched womb!