I'm with Frank on this one.
It's not only software manufacturers who would be applying pressure on
Would these be the likes some of the ones who exhibit at BETT and claim that writing software for Linux/*BSD is too difficult. (But then manage to produce something they *claim* will work with Win95(version 0) through to Windows 2000 and everything in between.)
After all, it would mean that we could buy whatever computer systems we like from whatever manufacturer that we like, put whatever software is necessary on those systems and completely develop and run our own networks. No licences and if we want good support go direct to SuSE,
To be honest if someone like TechSoft (who already have a sensible licencing policy) were to port their software to Linux and *SELL* it then we wouldn't be advese to *buying*. What is unsustainable in a school is per machine licencing.
Where it all falls down is with the School's Inspectors who can't appreciate the benefits of the Internet over the use of CD ROM's
IMHO the blame cannot be layed at the feet of Ofsted entirely. LEAs, local and central government, as well as those auditing school finances must take a fair part of the responsibility. However I can't really see a minister going on TV and saying "If schools wish to use expensive software then they must justify their choice". -- Mark Evans St. Peter's CofE High School Phone: +44 1392 204764 X109 Fax: +44 1392 204763