In a move that caught Microsoft offguard, the Chinese government has
issued a notice that agencies are to forego purchasing Windows 8 and
installing the software on any new government devices. The notice that
was officially sent out is titled “Agreement to supply information about the class of energy-saving products complement the mandatory tender notice“.
If that reads a little awkward to you, ask Google Translate, as the
original page is in Chinese. In any case, the announcement highlights
energy-saving products, but Windows 8 is specifically mentioned as item
#5: “all computer products are not allowed to install Windows 8 operating system.”
Chinese news outlet Xinhua looks back to the termination of support for Windows XP as a reason for the ban on Windows 8.
In a news report, it says that the move was made to ensure computer
security. Apparently, the Chinese government is not confident that
Microsoft will continue support for Windows 8 in the future, hence the
ban.
It is important to note that the ban is only in effect for
government-owned devices. Private consumers are free to purchase
whatever OS they want to.
On another note, the ban on Windows 8 seems to be only a part of the
government’s strategy. In the same report, Xinhua states that China is
going to focus on developing its own operating system, based on Linux.
Knowing just how China does not lack for talent in this niche, it is not
surprising that they will want to work on their own operating system.
On Microsoft’s part, the company says they were surprised by the
announcement, but they also emphasized that they are doing what they can
– and will continue to do so – to meet the requirements of the Chinese
government in terms of procurement. They also mentioned their ongoing
relationship with the government by providing Windows 7 and that they
will work with the government to evaluate Windows 8.
[Image via sqwabb]
Source : http://news.filehippo.com/2014/05/microsoft-windows-8-banned-chinese-government/
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