Open Software

by Paul Harmon

A new study on open software by the University of Maastricht's International Institute of Infonomics (the FLOSS Report) has just been released. In essence, the report argues that open-source software brings substantial benefits to governments, and urges that governments should require its use. The report claims that the use of open-source software not only reduces direct costs, but ensures that a wider range of vendors can offer software for government needs. The report also argues that open-source software provides better security and permanence while simultaneously providing the public with easier access. [You can obtain a copy of the FLOSS final report at http://www.infonomics.nl/FLOSS/report/index.htm.]