A quick reaction on an article on the Dutch Edusite about SAKAI as a future in the Netherlands. I think a number of aspects are getting people confused. Open Source is offered as a new sinecure to provide institutions with exactly what they need.
Personally I see Open Source as an interesting alternative to the single remaining VLE when Bb and WebCT truly merge into one product. It is extremely necessary as an engine to keep competition going. However, I think it is shortsighted to see the classic proprietary VLE as dead. I think it is time that VLE's evolve. What should they evolve into?

• Open standards


• Set of web services that can be offered in various frameworks. This means they can offer content and interaction in various systems. Offer students social software incorporated in the VLE or offer them the option to incorporate from an external source


• The ideal VLE will NEVER be able to do everything. Make choices and make sure other services can be integrated


• Easy to use

I do not see why it should necessarily have to be open source software. If the commercial parties play their cards right they could be the ones offering the ideal system. I do hope that Microsoft will not be the party that kills all ideas of open standards and open services...