As an advocate for Open Source software it is always nice to see headlines around how Open Source software is beginning to see some inroads into the corporate computing space. I think that arena is where the real battle royale will be held, and Linux and other Open Source projects are just starting to sink their toes into the chilly waters.
As Michael Geist nicely summarizes:
FACIL, a Quebec-based open source software advocacy group, has filed a lawsuit against the Quebec government for failing to consider open source software alternatives. FACIL argues in its filing [unofficial English translation] that the government spends millions on proprietary software without objectively evaluating open source alternatives that could enhance the local economy and provincial technology companies. It cites legal regulation that require contracts be placed for tender, yet notes many Microsoft contracts that were never subject to the process. The group also notes that it has tried to develop a dialog with government officials without success and therefore resorted to the lawsuit.
Here’s a link to the story on the CBC, with additional entertaining commentary.