Asian technology associations back Linux

Japanese, South Korean and Chinese computer industry groups have urged their governments to use open-source software, making their statement on
the eve of a visit to Asia by Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer to promote his company’s software.

The Japan IT Services Association, the China Software Industry Association and the Federation of Korean Information Industries will set up working
groups to support organizations and businesses in adopting what are known as open-source operating systems, the groups said in a statement following a
meeting Friday in Osaka.