[odf-discuss] Israel - Alternatives to Word and Windows schools

[Lars Noodén]

Russell Ossendryver wrote:
> I been to Israel more than a dozen times, the MS R&D division in Herzeliya
> is huge. MS has made significant investments in Israel. So any consideration
> for schools to move to OO.o, even as an option is a big break.

I recall when then Chairman Gates flew out there in 2003 or 2004 to have
it out with Sharon and get him to toe the line, but cannot find the
specific mention.  The thing that stood out in my mind was that there
was mention that journalists were banned from the event.

Israel used to have a stronger application of nationalism in regards to
technological and economic independence.

Anyway, if one plays the licensing cost scenario, then there is only one
outcome:

2003
http://www.crn.com/it-channel/18825133
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/11/24/ms_scorns_israeli_openoffice_defection/

2004
http://www.computerworld.com/governmenttopics/government/policy/story/0,10801,88800,00.html

2005
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3159786,00.html

If, in contrast, one plays up the interoperability, operational cost
savings, long term availability of data, etc, then ODF comes out ahead.

Regards,
-Lars