[Lilux-info] CERN leaves Microsoft programs behind for open-source software

CERN leaves Microsoft programs behind for open-source software A price tag hike has CERN, one of the world's leading scientific research organizations, moving from Microsoft programs for more affordable open-source software. Beginning a year ago, CERN launched the Microsoft Alternatives project (MAlt) <https://home.cern/news/news/computing/microsoft-alternatives-project-malt>. The name says it all. CERN wants to get away from Microsoft programs for a very prosaic reason: To save money. Iban Eguia, a CERN software engineer, tweeted: "At@CERN <https://twitter.com/CERN>, we are moving away from @Microsoft products <https://twitter.com/Razican/status/1138818892825055233> due to their license fee increases for our research laboratory. We will try to use open-source software as much as possible. :)" So, CERN started the Microsoft Alternatives project (MAlt). It's initial goal is "investigate the migration from commercial software products (Microsoft and others) to open-source solutions, so as to minimise CERN's exposure to the risks of unsustainable commercial conditions." CERN is far from the only group that feels the pain of per user licensing. CERN, Ormancey claimed, however, is leading the way in exploring open-source alternatives. The project's principles of engagement are: * Deliver the same service to every category of CERN personnel * Avoid vendor lock-in to decrease risk and dependency * Keep hands on the data * Address the common use-cases