I don't think that the debate is around SOUL 2.0 V/S OSS but the larger issue of selection of a Library software solution which is; 1. Technologically and functionally superior 2. Compliant to International Software and Library Standards 3. Has lowest/ Most economical TCO including OS/ Database/ Installation/ Training/ customisation/ Technical Support 4. has demonstrated ability to accomodate and upgrade to evolving Technical and Domain specific standards In case the selection veers to an OSS solution, an important parameter in the selection will be the Service provider, if any. The criteria for selection would primarily be: 1. Experience in the Library Domain. 2. Commitment/ Stakes in the Library Business domain 3. Business Ideology/ Soundness of Revenue model to ascertain continued service support for the product 4. Technical competence in the product support as reflected in the product development/ enhancement contributions and Client referrals Also to understand that not all OSS solutions are better than properiatary solutions but the better OSS solutions will typically attract a large product community following. A large and vibrant product community will also ensure longievity of product life cycle and better technical and functional compliance. The debate on western origin V/S Indian developed s/w products is essentially superflous since a logical extension of this rather Protectionist argument would send us back to the Stone Ages. Reinventing the wheel for the sake of dogmatic patriotism would be a waste of trained resources. A more pragmatic approach would be to participate in a progressive project like KOHA and Localise the necessary features and develop newer ones. We have already made a begining by setting up portal www.kohaindia.org and are committed to devoting technical and functional resources for the same. This would be a contributory project and quite a few senior Librarians and FOSS developers have expressed willingness to work on the same. Adoption of newer technologies and Adherence to international standards is not a luxury but a necessity of the Indian Libraries. Incase the Indian educational and research institutes need to achieve their DUE international standing, Libraries and in turn Library professionals need to embrace the technological change. -- Aashish Savant Director, RDG Microelectronics Pvt Ltd. 203, Blue Rose Industrial Estate, Western Express Highway, Borivli (E), Mumbai 400066. Tel: +91 22 - 65279584/ 6571 9584 email: aashishs@rdg.co.in aashish.savant@gmail.com -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.