IT officials offer free Lao software

Local people will have free access to a number of Lao-language email and desktop computer programmes, thanks to the development of Open Source Software in Laos , according to an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) consultant.

The Science and Technology Department of STEA, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, has now completed the implementation of this development project for ICT.

Among the successes of the project has been the development of Open Source Software, such as the Software Xang Dao Office programme, the Salika e-mail service and the Phetsarath_OT Lao Unicode Font.

“People who are interested in the font can download it from http://ict4dev.gov.la , and they can bring a blank CD to get the free Lao software from the Science Technology and Environment Agency (STEA),” the ICT consultant of STEA, Mr Anousak Souphavanh, said yesterday.

“The Phetsarath_OT font was approved on July 6 by the Lao government to be the official standard for communication and exchange of information in Laos ,” he added.

Recently the department, in collaboration with the International Open Source Network (IOSN), organised the first training course on Linux Basic Desktop Training of Trainers in Vientiane , which was taught by Professor Ariel S. Betan, an expert from the Philippines , and Mr Anousak.

This training was conducted from July 2 to 6 and 20 participants from various government offices attended.

“The objective of this training course was to promote and initiate the application of Open Source Software in Laos , increasing human capacity building in technical fields to become the future trainers for various government offices,” he explained.

“This software can be used without any licences or fees, and many countries are promoting and developing it for their social-economic development endeavours,” Mr Anousak said.

The STEA and IOSN will continue their cooperation to organise an advanced training course on Open Source Software for the promotion.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes