We've heard ad nauseum how open source adoption will increase in tough economic times. The U.S. government is researching the issue. The French National Assembly has first hand experience, however, and hopes other governments in Europe can learn from its example, The New York Times reports.

The assembly migrated 1,100 computers of its members and their assistants from Microsoft Windows to Ubuntu Linux 18 months ago, according to assembly vice president Rudy Salles, and should save nearly $650,000 over the next five years as a result.

What's more, the move to Linux may create more local jobs, the story says, because "local companies can try to disrupt the market by undercutting Microsoft on price and offering services to install and manage Linux for businesses."

"We see that many countries are interested in our experience, and so we’ll try to help the other parliaments around the world," says Salles.