Projity jumps into open source

A young maker of Web-based project management software is jumping head first into the open source world as a way to woo users from the dominant, but possibly vulnerable, Microsoft Project, reports Computerworld.

Projity is releasing a free desktop version of its 18-month-old Project-On-Demand service. Called OpenProj, the still-in-beta software will be bundled with several leading flavours of the Linux operating system, according to an interview last week with Projity CEO Marc O'Brien.

Confirmed distributions so far include Mandriva, Mint and the Gentoo-derived Sabayon. All are among the 10 most popular Linux distributions, according to DistroWatch.com. San Mateo, California-based Projity is also talking with OpenOffice.org and Sun Microsystems, the maker of StarOffice, about integrating OpenProj in some fashion with their open source productivity suites, O'Brien said.

Diamond Management & Technology Consultants has been awarded a management, organisational, and business improvement services (MOBIS) contract with the US General Services Administration (GSA), reports CNN Money.

According to the GSA, companies placed on this schedule "possess a thorough knowledge of quality management theory and practice and have demonstrated that they are capable of providing expert assistance to Federal activities".

"Diamond is honoured by this award," said Jeff Hesse, managing partner of the firm's Public Sector practice. "It reaffirms Diamond's strategic capabilities and track-record in helping government agencies with the important work of improving their performance, quality, timeliness and efficiency."

After the commissioning of the $300 million phase 1 of the National Rural Telephony Project last May by former president Olusegun Obasanjo, the prospect for the schedule completion of the remaining 338 local government area lines in the phases II and III may not be realised again, following what the contractors called government's lack of commitment, reports Vanguard.

President of Huawei Technologies of China, James Lee, who is handling the $100 million Phase II, has appealed for urgent intervention to save the project from turning into a white elephant.

Minister John Odey said the project is critical to the development of Nigeria's rural areas. He added that government is serious about the project and would ensure it plays its part.