Open Source is a global movement, and may even be a stronger force outside the US than inside. Recent articles give a flavor for the kinds of activities going on in Open Source world-wide.
Jim Whitehurst, CEO of Red Hat, speculated that many people outside have a negative attitude of the US and see Open Source as a way to avoid dealing with US software powerhouses. Whitehurst said that people “resent paying billions of dollars in intellectual property taxes to giant US companies”.
Examples of the kinds of activities include:
A recent study showed that Open Source is a $300 million dollar business in Australia.
Asian Linux User Groups scattered from Beijing to Singapore are actively using an promoting Open Source.
A recent Open Source 2008 conference in Tokyo attracted 100 participating sponsors for the event. In Japan, Open Source is making in-roads in univesities, corporations and governments.
The EU is releasing a strategy paper where it will begin to deploy a greater percentage of Open Source software. The paper recommends that Open Source should be used in cases where it does not cost more that commercial options and is in the best interest of European citizens
