Open Source Software in
Finnish Education –
Current State and Future Challenges
Riikka Rahikainen
Technology Centre Innopark/
Häme Centre of Expertise
19.5.2005
Riikka Rahikainen 19.5.2005
OSS in Finnish Education
- About 60% of schools are using OSsoftware*
- 90% of polytechnics
- 70% of universities
- 58% of upper secondary schools
- 50% of vocational schools
- 47% of comprehensive schools
* answering%: polytechnics 38%, universities 66%, other
schools 10%
Riikka Rahikainen 19.5.2005
OSS in Finnish Education
-Learning platforms (Moodle)
-Operating systems (Linux)
-Office applications (Open Office)
-Browser- and email software
(Mozilla/Firefox/Thunderbird)
-Picture handling software (GIMP)
Riikka Rahikainen 19.5.2005
OSS in Finnish Education
Why OS-software are being used?
- Willing to experiment OSS
- Personal interest
- For financial reasons
They are not used because of:
- Strategic choice
- Ideological reasons
Riikka Rahikainen 19.5.2005
OSS in Finnish Education
Other important aspects when adapting OSS
- The price
- Freedom to choose the provider company
- Safety aspects
- Possibility to tailor the software
- Easy to handle the licensing issues
Riikka Rahikainen 19.5.2005
OSS in Finnish Education
Reasons which hinder the usage of OSS
- OSS is not widely used (lack of
experiences)
- Different systems or software do not
communicate well enough
- Lack of OS service provider
companies
- Lack of knowledgeable personnel
Riikka Rahikainen 19.5.2005
To enhance OS – issues to consider
-Pros and cons are often overstated 
creates unnecessary confusion among
possible users
-OSS for SMEs
- OSS service provider companies  will we face
quality and capability problems?
-OSS development communities  how do
they all stay alive and well?
Riikka Rahikainen 19.5.2005
OSS in Europe
Riikka Rahikainen 19.5.2005