The Paris city council members will soon find Open Source software installed on their new laptops. This is one of the ways in which the municipality aims to promote the use of free software.

The council decided on June 25 to make any new laptops purchased for elected officials of the Parisian assembly run Open Source software, writes council member Jean-Christophe Frachet on his weblog. Frachet proposed the initiative.

The French city representatives are attracted by Open Source's 'culture of creativity and independence'. Another benefit they mention in the decision is that using this type of software gives them more control over the entire data process.

According to Frachet, the move to Open Source software is part of a plan to modernise the Paris city council offices, aiming at the same time to cut some 25 million euro in operational costs.

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Further information:

• Jean-Christophe Frachet's Blog (in French)