Local Businesses Encouraged To Use Open Source Software

[ChiangMaiMail]

Local businesses encouraged to use open source software

(L - R) Pongsak Ariyajitpaisarn, President of SIPA Chiang Mai, Santipab Panpikul, Founder of Santipab Pack Print, Panu Kwanyuen, Chiang Mai Deputy Chief Prosecutor, Narong Kongpraset, the President of Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, and Araya Lyeprawatt, Assistant Treasurer of Chiang Mai Chambers of Commerce were all speakers at the seminar.

Jedsadapong Wongkiew

The police have shut down many businesses across the country for running illegal software since the start of a campaign against software piracy on October 26. The operators of businesses found using pirated software can receive from 6 months to 4 years in prison and 100,000 baht to 800,000 fines. In order to aid local businesses the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA), hosted the seminar “Alternative Office Software for Business Operators” on November 24 at the Empress Chiang Mai Hotel.

At the event, it was recommended that local businesses switch to open source software, such as Open Office, a Thai language version has been developed in cooperation with SIPA, NECTECH and Software Park. The Electrical Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is one of the numerous businesses that have made the switch to this program.

Narong Kongprasert, the President of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, hosted the event where lectures were offered by experts on office software and intellectual property laws.

Open Office fully supports all office related needs and is available in Thai fonts. Free customer service is offered and there are no maintenance costs. For help and support, please call 1111, SIPA Call Center, or visit www.thaiopensource.org, www.sipa.or.th.

http://chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd7

-- Chiang Mai Mail 2009/12/17

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