East Asian Countries Unite to Promote Open-Source Software

Strategic Insights -

Senior government officials from South Korea, China, and Japan will convene this weekend to discuss ways to promote open-source computer software, a move aimed at reducing the region's dependence on Microsoft's Windows operating systems. The meeting on Saturday comes seven months after the IT ministers of the three East Asian countries agreed to work together to develop a Linux-based operating system. The Beijing meeting will focus on standards and joint research and development for the open-source software, with Samsung Electronics and heavyweight Japanese technology companies like Hitachi and NEC Corp. set to attend.

Key Takeaways:

  • The meeting will bring together senior government officials from South Korea, China, and Japan to promote open-source computer software and reduce dependence on Microsoft's Windows operating systems.
  • The meeting will focus on standards and joint research and development for the open-source software, with a preliminary agreement expected to be made.
  • South Korean software companies, including dozens of firms, will attend the meeting, alongside heavyweight Japanese technology companies like Hitachi, NEC Corp., and Fujitsu Ltd.
  • Samsung Electronics, the world's largest memory chip maker, will also participate in the gathering.
  • Linux-based solutions are gaining popularity in the global corporate server market, offering cheaper, safer, and more user-friendly information technology devices than Microsoft's products.
  • The Beijing meeting will also include discussions on cooperation on Linux-based solutions, with over 30 government officials and high-tech company executives participating.
  • Critics of Microsoft have pointed to the company's security flaws and monopolistic position, which have led to a series of security holes in its Windows applications.

Statistics:

  • The meeting will take place on Saturday and will involve senior government officials from South Korea, China, and Japan.
  • The IT ministers of the three East Asian countries agreed to work together to develop a Linux-based operating system seven months ago.
  • Over 30 government officials and high-tech company executives will participate in the gathering.
  • More than a dozen software companies from South Korea will attend the meeting.
  • Samsung Electronics is the world's largest memory chip maker.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse
  • Yonhap
  • South Korean Ministry of Information and Communication statement