One
of the motives for working on the RDF Dictionary concept is to extend the
possibilities for lawyers and anyone else involved in legal tasks to work from
any place where a computer with internet access is available. XML, with its data (as opposed to lay-out)
focus, delivers an essential part for this goal. The fact that XML needs
datastructures, that datastructures need the ability to communicate with one
another and that the RDF Dictionary concept offers a solution for this
challenge, has been adressed elsewhere in this proposal. The RDF Dictionary
concept is therefor a cornerstone for the possibility to work location
independently. Most importantly one is free to work from home. One has the
choice to do work at the office or at home. Not only increases this choice the
quality of life, it may also contribute to a decrease of commuter’s travelling.
This project
involves open source software development. Open Source is often
misunderstood. To counter one of the
most predominant prejudices: One can indeed earn money with Open Source. The Linux companies are an example for this.
These companies do earn money, not only by selling distributions. They earn a
material part of their money with software development. Their client receives
99% of the system at no cost, but pays for the last 1% to obtain a particular
application which is not yet available. In return the 1%, once developed, is
contributed to the 99% and may serve future users. This cycle makes sense from
an efficiency point of view. One shares progress with others, instead of hiding
it in closed source. Also in economic terms it is an efficient use of the
computer work force, as the wheel needs not be re-invented.
In as far one
would argue that in the short term a certain inefficiency helps increase
expenditure and creates jobs, one should bear in mind, that the revenues of
closed source software development to a large extent travel across to the other
side of the ocean and that the work for closed source software is largely done
outside of Europe. The short term view not necessarily bringing any economic
and employment benefits, there is no reason not to adhere to the long term
view. On the long run there can be no doubt that open source software development
serves the Community economic and social objectives. It fosters European-grown
solutions, making Europe less dependent on monopolies existing in the IT world.
The skills of the European IT workforce is used both more efficiently and will
have a chance to be applied in the whole of the IT market, as opposed to just
niches. It supports the EU anti-trust policy.
As a means of knowledge disclosure the RDF-Dictionary concept substantially facilitates a more equal distribution of legal information within the Information society, while lowering language barriers.