Can open source close the digital divide? - ZDNet.com Interesting question, but unfortunately, it implies that software somehow plays a role in resolving the 'have' and 'have-nots' Digital Divide formula that includes infrastructure, access to computers, training in the use of computers, and affordability. I would suggest that the question might read better if it asked, "is Open Source the solution to allow users the freedom they need to share software, without breaking the law?" I am convinced that the copyright holders of the major software applications floating around have no intention of granting a free-for-all policy of distribution, even in developing nations...Open Source, then, becomes a beneficial, ethical solution...and perhaps applies 'supply and demand' pressure on the current proprietary models.
There is a Digital Divide in the proprietary software market...those who own software legally, and those who have obtained the software illegally. Providing free, Open Source applications to the world will help to close the legal-illegal gap...the Digital Divide in its traditional definition, however, will not suddenly close if Open Source dons a cape and flies to the rescue.