new Lao Unicode font

[Yuphaphann Hoonchamlong]

http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeContent_IT.htm

IT officials offer free Lao software

Local people will have free access to a number of Lao-language
email and desktop computer programmes, thanks to the
development of Open Source Software in Laos , according to an
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) consultant.

The Science and Technology Department of STEA, in
collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme,
has now completed the implementation of this development
project for ICT.

Among the successes of the project has been the development of
Open Source Software, such as the Software Xang Dao Office
programme, the Salika e-mail service and the Phetsarath_OT Lao
Unicode Font.

“People who are interested in the font can download it from
http://ict4dev.gov.la , and they can bring a blank CD to get
the free Lao software from the Science Technology and
Environment Agency (STEA),” the ICT consultant of STEA, Mr
Anousak Souphavanh, said yesterday.

“The Phetsarath_OT font was approved on July 6 by the Lao
government to be the official standard for communication and
exchange of information in Laos ,” he added.

Recently the department, in collaboration with the
International Open Source Network (IOSN), organised the first
training course on Linux Basic Desktop Training of Trainers in
Vientiane , which was taught by Professor Ariel S. Betan, an
expert from the Philippines , and Mr Anousak.

This training was conducted from July 2 to 6 and 20
participants from various government offices attended.

“The objective of this training course was to promote and
initiate the application of Open Source Software in Laos ,
increasing human capacity building in technical fields to
become the future trainers for various government offices,” he
explained.

“This software can be used without any licences or fees, and
many countries are promoting and developing it for their
social-economic development endeavours,” Mr Anousak said.

The STEA and IOSN will continue their cooperation to organise
an advanced training course on Open Source Software for the
promotion.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
(Latest Update July 26, 2007)

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