Open source key to preserving human history, argues Vatican
LAS VEGAS: Open source file formats are the only reliable way for humanity to preserve its history in the digital age, according to Vatican Library CIO Luciano Ammenti. Ammenti made the argument during a press session at EMC World attended by V3, citing his experience digitising the Vatican's 82,000 manuscripts as proof. . . . . . Ammenti explained that, in order for the manuscripts to be readable, the Vatican Library opted for open source tools that do not require proprietary platforms, such as Microsoft Office, to be read. “We save it as a picture as it's longer life than a file. You don't rely on PowerPoint or Word. In 50 years they can still just look at it,” he said.
Phi Beta Iota: There are over 50 opens — open source is a culture, a mind-set, a method. The Vatican is following in the footsteps of Norway and other enlightened countries that refuse to allow proprietary elements to restrict access to public documents. What would be most interesting now is if the Vatican and all countries realized that Open Source Everything is the meme that can change the world, particularly at the intersection of energy-water-food-shelter and the intersection of communication-computing-digital transactions-education-selfgovernance.
See Also:
Book: The Open Source Everything Manifesto
Conference: Open Source Everything for the 21st Century
Home Page: Open Source Everything
Open Source Everything @ Phi Beta Iota
