A THIRD executive has left the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project, an OLPC spokesman acknowledged to IDG Monday.

Walter Bender, formerly president of software and content at MIT based OLPC, has left the organisation to pursue "new activities." Bender's original position had been downgraded to director of deployment during a recent restructuring.

Previously the executive director of MIT's Media Lab, Bender had headed up development of open source software for OLPC's low-cost XO laptop intended to foster computer literate learning for children in underdeveloped countries.

Bender promoted the use of open source software on the XO laptop, resisting repeated attempts to deflect the open source approach to a Microsoft centric capitulation running Windows XP instead, according to Wayan Vota, who runs the OLPC News website that originally reported word of Bender's resignation.

This latest departure follows those of two other OLPC executives. CTO Mary Lou Jepsen left OLPC in January to commercialise portions of OLPC technology she'd developed, including the XO laptop's innovative screen and battery. Also, Director of Security Ivan Krstić resigned in February, protesting the changes made during the organisation's restructuring.

Announcement of Bender's resignation comes shortly after recent reports have surfaced that OLPC's XO laptops are being hit with keyboard hardware glitches involving "sticky keys," but there's no indication that the two events are related.

OLPC spokesman George Snell reportedly said that the position of president of software and content has been eliminated. He did not mention Bender's latest position as director of deployment but did say "Bender will not be replaced." µ

L'Inq
IDG