"Working behind the scenes to orchestrate "independent" praise of our technology, and damnation of the enemy's, is a key evangelism function during the Slog. "Independent" analyst's report should be issued, praising your technology and damning the competitors (or ignoring them). "Independent" consultants should write columns and articles, give conference presentations and moderate stacked panels, all on our behalf (and setting them up as experts in the new technology, available for just $200/hour). "Independent" academic sources should be cultivated and quoted (and research money granted). "Independent" courseware providers should start profiting from their early involvement in our technology. Every possible source of leverage should be sought and turned to our advantage."

--Microsoft, internal document [PDF]

The quote above is a classic example of unacceptable behaviour from Microsoft, which includes deception and even academic kickbacks.

A lot of this bad behaviour is stretching people's patience. Things are beginning to change as a result. A Spanish-speaking reader has just informed us that "Ecuador mandates the use of Free (Libre) Software and Open Standards nationwide in public administration." Here is the article in Spanish.

From an English translation:

On April 10, 2008, Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa Delgado signed a decree ordering that the software used by public administrations in the country be free software (and implicitly based on open standards). Fuller story in Spanish...

The reader adds: "Wise decision, aside for freedom and many other reasons we know, it is sound in order to bridge the digital divide, boost technological independence and help the nation's balance of payments and external deficit by reducing public expenditure in foreign suppliers, it is also an adequate decision for these times of economic crisis."

The procurement boat in Europe is rocking gently as well. [thanks for another reader for this pointer]

Euro MP calls for Microsoft ban

No purchases until Redmond plays ball

We covered this in more details a couple of days ago. It's wonderful to see how quickly things change. Might this be the domino effect? ⬆