Momentum is in favour of open source software in the public computer lab space, with supporters riding on a growing wave of enthusiasm based on successes in other developing countries.
This is according to a study of 121 computer labs in Namibia, SA and Uganda by non-profit organisation Bridges.org, entitled "Comparison study of free/open source and proprietary software in an African context: Implementation and policy-making to optimise public access to ICT".
Many African community projects face a range of practical challenges, ranging from poor infrastructure to a lack of technical support, making the choice of appropriate technology a make-or-break factor, says Bridges.org.
According to the study, both free/open source software (FOSS) and proprietary software can be used effectively in public computer labs in Africa, but different challenges must be addressed depending on the type of software used.
One of the key findings was that FOSS has been successfully used in large, carefully designed, well-implemented projects, while its use in small, independent, remote computer labs - where technical skills are often low - has proven more difficult.
On the other hand, familiarity and experience with proprietary software are more widespread and lab managers are more likely to find help from a friend or colleague if they use the most common applications.
In a statement on its findings, Bridges.org highlighted how software choice could help reduce the cost of hardware. "Specifically, the popular thin-client systems found in many FOSS labs can offer very good value for money, because they run on cheaper (usually older, and less powerful) hardware. When well-configured and installed on reliable hardware, these software systems also require little ongoing maintenance."
OSS, proprietary, or both?
FOSS is now enjoying widespread interest among government officials in Africa, and a few international companies are contributing to its development and pushing for its adoption across the continent, says Bridges.org.
Certain proprietary software companies are also working to solve important problems in public computer labs, the study found, by enabling their software to run on less powerful and cheaper hardware, and reducing or waiving licence fees.
But despite efforts from both sides, specific software applications that could make computers more useful to local communities - such as putting ICT to work to improve healthcare and education, and designed with cultural factors in mind - are still missing, says Bridges.org.
"If proprietary software vendors pay closer attention to the practical problems facing public computer labs, and build on the commitment to deliver on social and development goals, their value proposition for Africa remains high."
But the momentum in Africa is currently in favour of FOSS, and supporters in Africa have an opportunity to capitalise on this enthusiasm, but need to overcome serious hurdles to translate the hype surrounding FOSS into tangible benefits, it says.
"Above all, they need to support communities of software developers who have the means and interest to develop and maintain locally relevant applications."
Bridges.org conducted the study in collaboration with the International Development Research Council, the Open Society Institute and SchoolNet Africa.
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