Hewlet Packard and Linux

[Charles Crawford]

Janina and all,

	I agree that ACB would not be putting speech on a server located where 
nobody needs it.  I do think however that if we are looking at Linux as an 
open system as a major selling point and if we are to force consideration 
of speech interfacing to at least mitigate the damages that can be done by 
full speed ahead Gui development, then we need to take some advocacy 
position that gets the attention of companies.  While the same points can 
be made on a relative scale about Microsoft, there is the underlying value 
of openess to Linux that could easily get lost on our issues if we do not 
take a more proactive stance.

	I had for example an exchange of email with the owner of an accessibility 
software house in which I pointed out that Linux ought to be 
supported.  The answer was no market, and until there is one; not much will 
happen.

	So the bottom line is if we want to advance Linux as a solution then it 
must compete in the mainstream for access as well as other things.

	Hope this made some sense.

-- Charlie.