Report (Part 2): Third World Summit on the Internet and Multimedia

How can Software Bridge the Digital Divide

Time: 9 October 2002, 10:30-12:30 Location: A 400 Chair: Jean-Michel Cornu (Scientific Director, Fondation Internet Nouvelle Génératon, France)  Presenters/ Participants: Hélène Camou (Member Board of Directors, Cavecom, Venezuela)
Eduardo Da Costa (CEO, Nest Boston, Brazil)
Mohamed Ben Ahmed (Chairman, Riadi Research Laboratory, University of La Manouba, Tunisia)
Tatiana Ershova (Director General of the Institute of the Information Society)
Soo Hoe Nah (Open Source SIG Member, Pikom, Malaysia)
Jean Michel Cornu (Scientific Director, Fondation Internet Nouvelle Génératon, France)  Reporter: Clara Gámiz, Danielle Dalsoren (ICVolunteers) Languages: French & English Key words: Piracy, trademarks, Internet, free software, open source software, export, e-communities

Although free and open source software cannot solve all the issues that developing countries have, it certainly can help to bridge the digital divide. Some of the main problems those countries are facing include the issue of piracy and illegal copies of software. This is mainly due to financial restraints, as well as problems of exporting brands and trademarks that have not been protected by law as well as the issue of trying to keep programming talent in their own countries to develop the local markets.

Case studies of various countries were presented during this roundtable. Ms. Elena Camou of CAVECOM in Venezuela, which focuses on e-commerce promotion, improving the future of the country through fostering technology use and development of local capabilities, explained how the knowledge industry can meet its goals. First, it must develop new commercial industry, as well as improving existing business processes. Further, it must improve basic services such as education, health and security.

There is a large opportunity in the Venezuela market (estimated at US0 billion). The development strategy includes:

• Integration of the oil industry (a new law promotes the use of local companies only),
• Industry with world quality standards,
• Cluster organization for the development of competitiveness,
• Export and investment and promotion supported by the government.

A Center for Engineering Software Excellence was created this year with the objective of providing training, professional certification and education. Research and development projects by local companies and universities are crucial to bridge the digital divide. There are over 300 software development companies and over 500 Internet related service companies in Venezuela, of which 90% are considered to be small to medium size companies.

Mr. Eduardo Da Costa, CEO of NestBoston in Brazil, answered the question, "Can Software bridge the Social Divide?" with a strong "yes". He described four dimensions or tools in that context:

1. Rapid growth of Software exports (0million in 2002),
2. BSME's exports.
3. Open Source Software if possible,
4. E-Government as service provider.

Mr. Da Costa also discussed a book he has written, entitled Global Commerce Strategies for Small Businesses, which includes case studies of countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Italy.

Mr. Ben Ahmed, Chairman of RIADI Research Laboratory in Tunisia, discussed the importance of a knowledge information society and the focus on free software in his country, where there is an education gap between the rich and the poor. He stated that it is crucial to encourage projects such as "brain food or village information" and to move forward on those projects.

Ms. Tatiana Ershova, Director of Institute of Information Society in Russia, stated that there are problems in software use in her country (mainly issues of software piracy), because companies cannot afford to pay licensing fees. The solution to this, in her opinion, would be the migration to open source or free software. In order to accomplish this, the government must support development of open source software and the creation of a service infrastructure in all 89 regions of Russia. The RuDG is part of a network of 41 country gateways created internationally with the support of the Development Gateway Foundation (www.developmentgateway.org). Its mission is to foster Russia's dynamic and full-fledged development in the global Information society. Detailed information can be found on the web site: www.russia-gateway.ru.

Mr. Soo Hoe Nah of the Association of Computer and Multimedia Industry of Malaysia, discussed how E-communities could empower people by using open source software. E-communities can promote ICT and computer usage by individuals and services, by engendering a spirit of co-operation and self-help in overcoming technical problems. Some of the advantages of building E-communities include freedom from licensing charges, multi-platform support that is easily and widely available, ability to run on both low- and high-end systems, and the empowerment of people in poorer communities to learn and compete.

Mr. Michael Thomsen, Scientific Director of the Interactive Institute in Sweden, started his speech with a story about a Chinese student who lived above a fish store. This student could satisfy his hunger by savoring the smell alone from the store, but was then accused of stealing by the shopkeeper. Mr. Thomsen used this story to illustrate that he, too, sometimes feels like he was stealing from other's work when he modified programs and created whole new systems. Without this, however, society would not evolve. He pointed out that digital information can be accessed, copied and processed despite the fact that the business world is based on ownership and copyrights. He stated that we need to be able to modify and add value to current programs and codes. Only then, he concluded, can we learn and share.

Mr. Shaun Lake, Managing Director of Global Trade Training in South Africa, emphasized that open source is a powerful tool which leverages the people's power and increases opportunity for homegrown innovation. Mr. Lake spoke about his experience in raising funds to start his company and in developing content to sell his services. He was able to reduce his start-up capital requirements by 40% and his operation costs by 80% by using open sources. He also mentioned that keeping good programmers in his country is an issue.

Mr. Jean-Michel Cornu, Scientific Director of the Fondation Internet Nouvelle Generation in France moderated a lively discussion on issues of piracy and export of non-existing brands. The issue of piracy is a problem in many developing countries. The focus on open sources is even more important for those countries. Open source providers make their money not from selling their software, but from selling services and support that follows. Ms. Camou stated that 98% of software in Russia alone is illegal. She mentioned that the government could easily give their support through investments.
Mr. Cornu closed the discussions with the slogan, "Sharing to get rich."

Interesting Questions
Ms. Susan Teltscher of the UNCTAD asked why it is so difficult to export services from countries such as Venezuela or Brazil. The main problem seems to be that there are not many trademarks or brands owned by those countries.

Conclusions
We need to adapt to the rest of the world by sharing knowledge, skills, expertise, and local development. Ideas and innovations belong to everyone. Free software and open source providers will evolve and help developing countries to catch up with the rest of the world.