Software piracy cut by B1.7m

[Nick]

A year after launching, the open source project initiated by National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (Nectec), called ecology of Linux project (Ecolonux), has helped the industry to save 1.7 million baht by combatting software piracy.

Based on the Ecolonux project, Nectec has enabled entrepreneurs to install open source software in large amounts by building company OEM CDs and transferring knowhow to tackle the problem of software installation. This has encouraged the utilisation of open source software in the mass market.

According to Nectec assistant executive director Virach Sornlertlamvanich, the next phase of Ecolonux is to focus on after-sales.

"Consumers are likely to be confident in open source software, however the model of service needs to be improved," he said.

Virach pointed out that it can deliver in a service by having API (application protocol interface) in open source running online, such as Google Docs, and this will help users control file compatibility. It is possible Nectec will work with the private sector doing web service and charge per transaction.

"If we offer a better standard of file, there should also be other services such as file conversion," he said, adding that this is a concept to have open source become more easily utilised.

Nectec has promoted open source software utilisation in order to reduce software piracy, build up intellectual property and further development of software utilisation. These strengthen the technology utilisation of businesses and the country as a whole.

The Ecolonux project opens opportunities and offers an alternative for consumers to have open source software or substitute licensed software at economy cost.

Last year, five companies joined the Ecolonux project, including SVOA, D Computer, Powell Computer, IT Bakery, and Synnex.

Between February 2009 and May 2010, Nectec installed Ecolonux on more than 100,000 units, combatting software piracy to the value of more than 1.7 billion baht.

Recently, Nectec signed an agreement with an additional five companies in Fortune IT Mall, namely Jade Computerplus, Osca 4star, Pro Conner, Diamond People and Notebook Solutions. A total of 10 companies have joined the project and it is expected that this will help save the industry some three billion baht by fighting software piracy.

"We asked these companies to survey open source utilisation and gain data for improvements," Virach

said.

About the author


Writer: Sasiwimon Boonruang
Position: Database Reporter


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