LXer: Working Linux Emergency Response System Undermined at Homeland Security by Microsoft Lobbying
 

Published at LXer:

LAMP is at the heart of Emergency Response Network Systems and is saving lives. But recently, Microsoft maneuvered into taking the system away from a Free Software vendor. As Jim Lytle put it: It concerns some information about the deployment of our product which looks like they are trying to replace it with Microsoft solution at DHS. In violation of many FARs (Federal Acquisition Regulations) in regards to COTS, commercial-off-the-shelf, technology etc. They have awarded a contract to an existing vender to "develop" a copy of our product. In addition to the utter disregard for the "Small Business" set-aside programs and other directives they are going ahead at the risk of providing a developmental system. This system is not tested and has no proven track record and doesn't currently exist. Keep in mind, this is the Emergency Response Network System that worked so well during 911. I believe the failure to deploy since 911 has put our nation at risk and harmed such efforts as advanced hurricane notification that battered Florida, the Gulf and New Orleans: All because it's Linux and Microsoft can't have that.

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This one must be really important, it's linked twice.