the maldivian linux blog

Recent years we have seen a lot of adaptations of OSS in the governments across the globe. The reasons are obvious, being the cost factor and the open nature of the applications. Which give a big advantage. Countries such as India, China, Brazil, Russia, Germany and Taiwan were among the first countries who adopted Linux a few years back. Its not just the cost factor that drives this change, its got a lot to do with awareness of technology in the policy level as well. Which we unfortunately lack a lot here in Maldives.

I guess the strength of NCIT in Maldives is very poor and limited. Notably I guess the organization lacks experienced and enthusiastic individuals. We have heard of expensive networks been laid, and buildings go up with a very few or null results thus far. Mostly my guess is the expertise is imported and not very well applied. Also the FUD factor within the local policy makers restricts a lot of development. For example the recent ICT policies which were published a few years back, is already outdated before even they were implemented. I guess NCIT needs to be more proactive and also think outside the box. Having a good ICT foundation will contribute a lot to countries such as Maldives.

I really get frustrated when expertise is imported and applies from other countries, when locally we have them. Its a lot of money which is being wasted. This is very common within the enterprises and is really a bad news. The justification which will pop up next will be that we o not have such expertise or resources within Maldives. My answer is why? This is where NCIT should step in. Even if we think economically developing a strong ICT infrastructure will greatly benefit us. We don't need oil or diamond mines to develop this sort of economy. But its very sad to know these things will never be discussed or seen seriously. Basically to conclude there is not much future for the Maldivian ICT industry thanks to the policy makers and economists. Selling just a few thousand PC's per year does not make us a technologically aware country. Fact is though so many people carry PDA's in there pockets, we are far far lagging behind and no action is being taken to improve it.

Encouraging OSS developments and smiler projects will definitely change things and creating opportunity for individuals and local companies can be a start. But the basic foundation is at the educational level. Anyway, this is just my view. There might be things that I don't know or fail to see.

to be continued ....