Redflag Software, a subsidiary of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has formed an alliance with Hong Kong-based Sun Wah Hi-Tech Group to promote its Linux-based software operating system in the mainland and, later on, in East Asia.
The alliance is believed to be part of Beijing's efforts to nurture the home-grown computer operating system in order to reduce its reliance on foreign products to ensure its information security.
Government bodies are trying to shift from Microsoft to Linux, a system which has an open source code to allow users to 'de-bug' their computer systems more easily and to develop new applications at lower costs.
Redflag Software chief executive Liu Bo said it was more economical for the mainland to develop its own software based on the Linux system.
He said it took Microsoft about US$2 billion and four years to develop its Windows system and the cost was reflected in its price. A basic version of the Linux operating system sells for about 50 yuan (about HK$46.82), compared with about 1,500 yuan to 2,000 yuan for Windows.
Redflag Software will authorise Sun Wah to distribute its Redflag Linux products in Asia and to run training and technical support centres in the region.