[ubuntu-za] Setback for FOSS in South Africa

[Robert Schumann]

Just thought this should be more widely known:
http://mg.co.za/articledirect.aspx?articleid=253198

It appears that Microsoft has negotiated a deal to install their 
software in public telecentres throughout the country. The Shuttleworth 
Foundation's position, that "there are many software alternatives in 
open source", starts to sound a little hollow; if Microsoft is offering 
to install and maintain the software, what open source company is going 
to offer such a service for free, even if the software is free as in beer?

Microsoft is offering the better deal. Yes, I know it's not better in 
the long run and morally and all that, but what can be done?

Robert.