With OpenSSL and the heartblead bug in the news as no less than their top story (on CBC at least), the thought comes to mind just how central OSS software is to not only the internet (which in fact is OSS software almost from the nose to the tail, but also how dependant our high tech society is on what we do.
For instance we now have many major government web sites simply shut down while they address the issue. So I called my MP and I asked: How much has the Government of Canada actually donated to a project which is so central to the operation of the Government that the Canada Revenue Agency (and many other departments) are totally dependent on the well being of OSS software projects? Since I am involved with the OpenSSL project and have been for a very long time, I happen to know that apparently they say the donations are in the order of $2000 to $3000 USD per year. So maybe the CRA and Government of Canada should actually be embarassed by their lack of support. I will point out there are SO MANY systems which can be done far better and far cheaper via OSS. Examples include everything from hospital systems to library systems and this doesn't even touch the federal level. I think we have an opportunity to embarass a few of the right people. Maybe it is time to call our pollies and start asking where the supporty is? I figure everyone will win, including the pollies and the taxpayers. If people agree then lets have a short pow wow and then ask a few friends and maybe make some calls and send some emails. I will point out one observation. In fact via say the university system, the government does in fact subsidize OSS. You see the government funds unis and unis sometimes pay programmers and sometimes what the programmers work on becomes OSS. But that leaves all us little people including independants out in the cold. How can we contribute if we can't feed ourselves? The little guy is at a serious disadvantage. If the little guy finds a job there may or may not be support. But the little guy loses the copyright because that is owned by the employer. If the little guy wants to own the copyright then a written contract has to be negotiated with the employer or client and often this is impossible. But if the little guy can find a angel as in angel financing then maybe. But it still feels like a brilliant artist severing tables to buy paint. Comments please: Terrell BTW. Michell Remppel is my MP. _______________________________________________ clug-talk mailing list clug-talk@clug.ca http://clug.ca/mailman/listinfo/clug-talk_clug.ca Mailing List Guidelines (http://clug.ca/ml_guidelines.php) **Please remove these lines when replying
