DOEACC Drops Microsoft From Syllabus, Ushers In Open Source

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New Delhi: In what could hit Microsoft’s interest in Indian market, the government owned non-formal software education outfit DOEACC has silently modified its syllabus dropping subjects on Microsoft technologies and increasing focus on open operating systems such as Linux.

DOEACC — earlier known as Department of Electronics Accreditation of Computer Courses — currently has around 4.6 lakh students enrolled with its accredited institutions in different courses known as O, A B and C Level schemes. Microsoft — a majority market share holder in operating and desktop software products — spends substantial money and efforts to promote its own technologies in the student community. The idea is to catch students young and increase the skillbase of Microsoft technologies.

The new DOEACC syllabus, which is applicable for the ongoing semester, does not include Windows Programming and Visual Basic for A and B level courses. Besides, Linux has been added in the detailed syllabus of a subject called ‘Operating Systems’. The DOEACC revises its syllabus every three years. The syllabus books of DOEACC clearly mention that one of the salient features of revised version is ‘inclusion of free domain software’.

When contacted, a highly placed official of DOEACC — an autonomous body under the administration of Department of Information Technology — confirmed the move to increase focus on open source software. “We have dropped obsolete technologies such as COBOL programming and several new subjects have been introduced such as Mobile Computing and Software Quality management. Moreover, the new syllabus focuses more on open source technologies rather than on proprietary technologies,” he said.

Microsoft officials could not be reached for comment.

DOEACC imparts computer training to students through its own and accredited private institutions across the country while keeping control of course curriculum and examination process.

DOEACC has also started imparting courses in emerging areas such as computer hardware, bio-informatics and call centre skills. “We have recently started a bio-informatics course which is available through our own seven institutes and will soon be expanded to accredited computer training centers as well,” said a DOEACC official.