coffee.geek.nz

Story on stuff:
"SSC specifies open source software in tender process"
http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/3703572/NZICT-says-wah-...

Has a splatter of quotes from NZICT crying sadness over SSC requiring open source
Like this:

"I would hope that any customer is going to pursue the best solution and I would have thought that you wouldn't want to be too prescriptive about what that solution is.

The question is, have NZICT, and will NZICT, cry the same sadness when a government department declares a project must be built with microsoft technology?

p.s. anyone know what purpose NZICT serves that NZ Computer Society doesn't? I've heard a few cynical answers only so far.
Dave Lane has some research on who/what NZICT are and concludes they are mostly foreign corporates (at least by voting power) and really don't deserve to have NZ in their name. I'm inclined to agree.

Computerworld > Copyright law an 'opportunity', not a problemSource: computerworld.co.nzRights-holders accentuate the positive. Computer Society says law is 'illogical'. NZCI says the issue, which has generated a virtually united front of opposition from ISPs, and ICT industry groups, is not about ISPs policing the internet, it’s about ISPs "responding to a high standard of evidence of...

New Zealand has a new Copyright Act, that goes into effect on 28th February 2009

In amongst the act is section 92a: ISPs are required to disconnect those accussed of copyright infringement. This was worrying, and during select committee discussion this was modified to have penalties when the accuser turns out to be wrong. (see Controversial copyright clause to be amended computerworld.co.nz)

At the last minute the penalties for wrong accusations was removed. So, the copyright act passed, with section 92a allowing copyright holders to accuse anyone of infringement, without requiring proof - and ISPs are forced to comply and disconnect service. You don't get a trial, you're just cut off and no more internet for you.

No more email, no booking airlines, no more buying books on the internet - you're cut off based only on an accusation. If they decided to accuse me, I would not be able to continue my occupation as an Open Source programmer / gadget wrangler. I'd have to give up and probably retrain as a barrista.

This is New Zealand law. You can't make this shit up!