In the strongly worded letter, Komen claims Microsoft's offer of free software and a terminal services project to rival SchoolNet's existing Linux system will set SchoolNet Namibia back more than $24 000; a price the organisation is not able or willing to pay.

SchoolNet Namibia, primarily a volunteer organisation, works to provide schools across the country with networking facilities and Internet access. Much of the existing SchoolNet infrastructure is Linux-based. Komen says while he "has no desire to replace Linux with Microsoft” he would be happy to accommodate an affordable Microsoft offering.

But he says Microsoft's various offers of co-operation come with a hefty price tag. "Critically, one fundamental and oft overlooked issue is the fact that while ‘free' Microsoft software offers may well be seen as generous, they are effectively limited to lower quality PC technologies which are not bound by ‘global preload original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreements' enforced with tier-one computer manufacturers such as Compaq, Acer and Dell."

Komen's primary gripe with Microsoft is that the company offered to supply the organisation with free software for a project involving 100 laptops. Microsoft offered to supply a free operating system as well as Office software for the project.

What happened, says Komen, is that when SchoolNet secured a favourable deal on Acer laptops which had OEM XP Pro loaded on the machines, Microsoft backed off from the deal, saying it would not finance the operating system. The agreement, according to Microsoft, was for Millennium Edition only.

"Microsoft is now, post facto, unwilling to cover the costs of this pre-loaded MS operating system which will set NetDay and SchoolNet back about $9 000, but will still provide 50 gratis licences for Office Pro, locally valued at about $2 000."

Another complaint Komen has against the software giant involves a proposed terminal services project. "From the outset of our consultative meetings with Microsoft, it was made abundantly clear that SchoolNet and NetDay would be happy to provide Microsoft with an opportunity to develop a potential alternative to our viable open source LTSP refurbished LAN and standalone Linux-PC solutions. The original understanding was that each of five pilot schools would be furnished with 20 refurbished, diskless thin clients [and server] at Microsoft's cost."

Komen says, however, that Microsoft backed off on the agreement and now says it will only pay for the software and not the refurbished equipment.

"Such a change in direction would result in SchoolNet having to pay out in the order of $4 500 per school to provide Microsoft with a significant educational branding opportunity in Namibia coupled with free technical support obligated by SchoolNet to all its school clients."

Komen says this is not going to happen if he has anything to do with it. "Microsoft is very keen on harnessing major publicity along the lines of 'Microsoft replaces Linux at SchoolNet Namibia'. I'm afraid that is simply not going to happen."

He says the organisation is committed to its current open source path and while he was open to proprietary alternatives in the past, he is less so now.

SchoolNet Namibia is a member of the SchoolNet Africa network of NGOs. Shafika Isaacs, executive director of SchoolNet Africa, says the SchoolNet Namibia organisation is one of its strongest members and "has really led the way in developing sustainable and affordable solutions for Africa".

She says SchoolNet Africa is aware of the letter. Isaacs emphasises, however, that members of SchoolNet Africa are autonomous and make their own decisions.

But she adds that the move by SchoolNet Namibia will "very likely influence the ongoing debate" around open source and proprietary systems.

Microsoft failed to respond to repeated requests for comment.

[Komen's full letter can be viewed at: http://www.schoolnet.na/pr/msftrelease.html]