Government promises more open-source use

[unixman]

"The government has published its policy on open-source software, promising to use open source rather than proprietary alternatives if there is no significant cost difference in products and services." Government promises more open-source use - ZDNet.co.uk I predict that this will make no difference in the take-up open source software, as decisions are judged on TCO figures, which can be used to show whatever you like. Time for a move to ROI methinks, although this also has problems.

[mberry]

The full document's at http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/123372/090224opensource.pdf

At first glance, Action Point 5 may well be relevant to the world of BSF:

"Government Departments will challenge their suppliers to demonstrate that they have capability in open source and that open source products have been actively considered in whole or as part of the business solution which they are proposing... Particular scrutiny will be directed where mature open source products exist and have already been used elsewhere in government. Suppliers putting forward non-open source products will be asked to provide evidence that they have carefully considered open source alternatives and to explain why they have been rejected."

A few further thoughts over at A level playing field for open source software | Open Source Schools

[powdarrmonkey]

Once again, the government demonstrates its lack of understanding and instead, ability to jump on this year's buzzword. 'Open source' doesn't mean 'free', just like free-as-in-beer isn't free-as-in-speech. 'Free' needs to be defined in terms of a licensing model, like the GPL-x, and government needs to make a commitment to freeness, purity, and some kind of return to the communities that have produced this software for them to use.

[unixman]

Here's the BBCs take BBC NEWS | Technology | UK government backs open source

I do like the term "minister for digital engagement"; fine case of government double-speak.