The Uttar Pradesh government is likely to opt for the open source software rather than Microsoft software.
According to G B Patnaik, electronics and information technology secretary, 12 states have opted for Microsoft and Madhya Pradesh for the open source software. The open source software, which is free, can be modified according to individual needs.
Microsoft is fine in case of individual buys, but for bulk purchases, the open source software is cost-effective.
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A bare computer will cost Rs 5,000 less compared with a Microsoft software-fitted one, he says. Microsoft software comes as part of hardware.
Thus, if 10,000 computers are to be bought for the universal IT education scheme, launc-hed recently, the state government will have to spend Rs 20 crore as licence fee, he adds says Patnaik.
The state government has recently launched a major infotech drive, under which land records, jail records, several services and all government departments will be computerised.