By this policy, the foreign ministry has not only achieved the lowest IT costs by far of all federal ministries thanks to improved efficiency, but has also invested in innovation and job creation in mostly medium-sized enterprises in Germany and Europe. Thus the foreign ministry's IT strategy is an essential contribution to domestic industry in Germany. Vice-chancellor Steinmeier's involvement in LinuxTag also underscores the fundamental importance of providing open standards for the free exchange of information across all areas of a global, knowledge-oriented society. Open standards are a crucial factor in overcoming the "digital divide", and reinforce the basis of a peaceful, democratic and pluralistic society.

About LinuxTag

LinuxTag 2008 takes place at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds from May 28 to 31, 2008. LinuxTag is Europe's leading event for Linux and free software, and a joint platform for open-source projects and companies in the German-speaking countries, in Europe, and overseas. This four-day event brings together producers, supporters, software products and communities. LinuxTag Berlin is organised by Messe Berlin GmbH in association with LinuxTag e. V.

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