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Following is a question by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, (in the absence of Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology) in the Legislative Council today (May 16):
Question:
According to a survey on Open Source Software (OSS) Adoption in Hong Kong conducted by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) from September 2003 to February 2004, over 85% of the responding companies expressed concern about the security and stability of OSS. In addition, the results of the 2005 Survey on Application of Linux in Hong Kong released by HKPC and Linux Resources Centre in July 2005 showed that the lack of technical know-how and professional support in solving operational problems, as well as software and hardware compatibility were the most common difficulties cited by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Linux adoption. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the measures taken to assist SMEs in tackling the above difficulties;
(b) whether it will conduct a survey within this year or in the near future on the current trend of OSS adoption among SMEs and the difficulties faced by them; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(c) whether it will conduct regular surveys on the situation and trend of OSS adoption among SMEs as well as the support needed, and publish the results of such surveys; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(d) as the Government has indicated, in the public consultation document issued for formulating the 2007 Digital 21 Strategy, that its objective was "to offer a range of affordable software solutions to SMEs" so as to develop a digitally inclusive society in Hong Kong, of the promotion strategies in place to achieve such an objective?
Reply:
Madam President,
Regarding the question raised by the Hon Sin Chung-kai, my reply is as follows:
(a) In order to enhance the SMEs' confidence in open source software (OSS) adoption in the issues of security and stability, the Government has been implementing, sponsoring and supporting various initiatives in this area. For instance, the Government provided funds for launching a SME Linux Jump Start Programme in 2005 to provide integration testing service on Linux solutions, and setting up a Linux Patch Management System in 2004 to synergise the effort of applying patches to Linux systems.
Furthermore, since November 2002, the Government has published and kept up-to-date the Interoperability Framework covering standards and interfaces for data sharing and systems/applications communication. The Framework is technology neutral to both proprietary and OSS. It aims to reduce technical barriers for SMEs wishing to develop or adopt OSS-based solutions.
In facilitating industry actions in promoting OSS adoption in the business sector, the Government sponsored the "Linux Business Adoption Campaign" in 2003 and the "Linux Business Award" in 2005. Moreover, the Government has designed and implemented Standing Offer Agreements for the supply of IT products aiming to facilitate the inclusion of both proprietary and OSS products, where applicable.
(b) The Government has no plan to conduct further surveys on OSS development or adoption this year nor in the short term but will continue to provide the appropriate support to the relevant industry bodies in the further development in software technologies, including but not limited to OSS, as well as to conduct specific surveys on trends in technology development and adoption.
(c) The Government has no plan to regularly conduct surveys on OSS adoption among SMEs. However, we will continue to liaise with the industry, collect their comments and render appropriate support to help promote the adoption of OSS products as and when necessary.
(d) The Government has launched the Sector-specific Programme (SSP) to promote IT awareness, including OSS, among SMEs since 2004. Commencing April 2007, we rolled out a new series of 2006/07 SSP to more business sectors to further encourage the development of more affordable software solutions, including but not limited to OSS solutions, to facilitate wider IT adoption among SMEs. We will also gauge the industry's interest in offering all-in-one packages to SMEs, including PC hardware and software, Internet connection and support services at affordable prices.
Ends/Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:21
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