[Upd-discuss] Microsoft and UNESCO announce a deal

[Krishna E. Bera]

Microsoft and UNESCO Announce Joint Education And Community Development Initiatives
http://www.microsoft.com/emea/presscentre/PressRelease.aspx?file=MSUNESCOPREMEA.xml

Even if this does not contain a direct threat to the Free Software Directory project
which is a joint effort of FSF and UNESCO, its components will hinder adoption 
of Free Software in developing countries.  Some quotes:

"With assistance from Microsoft, UNESCO will create resource materials supporting the development of curricula and training courses on the use of ICT for teachers and classrooms."  

"Utilising the Microsoft® Solutions Sharing Network platform, UNESCO will develop multiple online communities that allow international and national experts and agencies to exchange content and best practices, share tools, mobilise interested parties, and suggest solutions and strategies to address critical issues in education."

"UNESCO, in collaboration with Microsoft, will foster international cooperation and the sharing of best practices to support refurbishment efforts that can help developing countries increase access to cost-effective computer technology."


Note how UNESCO is going to be doing a lot of the work, no doubt with tax-deductible
grants, thereby becoming dependent on Microsoft's proprietary technology and, 
as a bonus, acting as a publicly subsidized Microsoft marketing department.