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Open Source Announcement

The government has today (24 February 2009) published a new policy on open source software that will ensure maximum value for money for taxpayers. There are three key aspects to the new policy I would like to draw your attention to:

1. Open source software: the policy includes 10 actions that will actively help make sure the best possible, best value for money software solutions are put forward for tenders, be they open source or propriety products.

2. Open standards: the policy contains an explicit reference to open standards, ensuring systems are interoperable and avoiding getting locked in to a particular product where possible.
3. Re-use: the Government will look to re-use what it has already bought, with successful solutions being made available across government.

The new policy reflects changes to both the open source market and the Government’s approach to IT. In setting out the ten actions we will make sure of a level playing field for Open Source Software, and encourage the use of Open Standards and re-use of software the Government has already paid for. The new policy can be found at:

More information on the Open Source announcement