Hari's Corner

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Linux ATMs in rural India

Filed under: Software and Technology by Hari
Posted on Fri, Mar 30, 2007 at 08:02 IST (last updated: Wed, Jul 16, 2008 @ 20:44 IST)

I read a piece of news yesterday in my local newspaper about Linux-based ATMs which might soon become a reality in rural India (I am unable to find any online source for this news). With Linux-based ATMs being much cheaper than traditional ATMs using proprietary software, I can see how this can help banks gain a competitive advantage by being able to serve a larger number of customers at a lower cost. The cost-benefit advantage is *huge* when you consider the scales of population involved and equally, the benefits for the people are enormous. It also shows that there is still a large, untapped market in rural areas for such technological amenities. I do wish there would be more coverage of such news in the mainstream media - it might help convince those who continue to believe that Linux is merely a competitor to Microsoft on the destkop and doesn't have any utility beyond that. I think the West particularly isn't able to appreciate that the real action for Linux is in the so-called third-world countries looking to modernize technology as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible.

The real power of Linux is seen not by elite desktop or power users sitting in their air-conditioned homes or offices, but by organizations looking for cost advantage and competitiveness for commercial and community projects like this. And this is how Linux helps in truly empowering people - by providing freely available technology that is truly inexpensive and accessible by all.

5 comment(s)

  1. And the Tux thunders on!! Yaay!! :) :DYour last paragraph sums it up very well. And let us hope that the Tux invades other areas as well.

    Comment by Sudipta Chatterjee (visitor) on Fri, Mar 30, 2007 @ 13:33 IST #
  2. I remember seeing a rebooting ATM in my local town and it was running W95 - this was around 3-4 years ago. Anyone know if they've upgraded?

    Comment by ray (visitor) on Fri, Mar 30, 2007 @ 14:32 IST #
  3. Sudipta, quite correct. Tux will invade. No doubt about it :twisted:Ray, I have heard that a w95 rebooting ATM is what they have in Hades as a punishment for people who have defrauded banks in their lifetime :lol:

    Comment by hari (blog owner) on Fri, Mar 30, 2007 @ 19:04 IST #
  4. It's great to hear that Linux is being employed so usefully in other countries!Oh, and not only will Tux invade... It will conquer :mrgreen:

    Comment by J_K9 (visitor) on Sat, Mar 31, 2007 @ 16:19 IST #
  5. Preparing for the next revolution... :razz:

    Comment by hari (blog owner) on Sat, Mar 31, 2007 @ 17:10 IST #

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