Members generally satisfied with GNU / Linux and Ubuntu
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The deputies of the National Assembly using GNU / Linux for a year now. An initial assessment has been completed and it seems rather positive. This migration will be symbolic provided increased visibility for the operating system and has been an opportunity to test it on an audience of non-scientists.
In November 2006, the National Assembly announced it would increase the posts dedicated to members under the GNU / Linux and other open source software. This decision was taken following an investigation requested by several deputies. It was revealed that the needs of members could be covered by the free migration and that this would lead to significant savings, despite the projected cost of setting up these computers and systems.
After a tender launched in late 2006, Linagora and Unilog had awarded the contract. The system would be installed Ubuntu distribution with the following software: the Firefox browser 2, the email client Thunderbird and its extension agenda Lightning, and OpenOffice.org 2.0. The contract included the installation, technical support, maintenance and training. The introduction was made last July, there is now almost a year.
Members generally satisfied
Apart from saving of approximately 500 000 euros, MPs interviewed by IOC Online seem to have adapted well to their new environment. To use that they do, i.e. primarily office and the Internet, they usually find their appropriate posts. Some bring to the forefront of security issues but also interoperability, opening new system.
The record is not entirely positive, since some MPs acknowledge having hardware problems, including synchronization between their PDAs and positions of the Assembly. These have since been resolved but some have had to invest in buying a PDA compatible. Remember that this move was primarily symbolic as pertaining only to a few hundred posts. However, APRIL, an association for the promotion and research in computer science free, welcomed this first review and comments: “They [the members] encourage players french a promising economic sector, promote interoperability and open way for further migration. ”
According to the association, “despite tight deadlines and pace of work, their deputies and assistants are easily adapted to their new environment. This shows that FOSS are undoubtedly ready for the job, both in business that for the general public. ” Several MPs interviewed videos and text transcripts are available on the site of APRIL.
This view from an association in favor of free software seems confirmed by the latest generation of GNU / Linux distributions, such Ubuntu 8.04, Mandriva Spring 2008, OpenSUSE 11 or Fedora 9, which are accessible systems including the beginners.