Welcome to the Open Source in Government Website
THIS SITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The Open Source in Government Website is aimed at practitioners to help them achieve and sustain Open Source deployments in the Public Sector. The website was launched in May 2006 in response to a perceived need for a web-based interactive resource where practitioners, policy-makers and others can find guidance on good practice to which they can add new ideas and identified practical and usable solutions utilising Open Source Software.
What is Open Source?
Open Source software is open, extensible, and freely distributable. Such an open environment enables developers from around the world to share thoughts and ideas. This collaborative development allows for faster and more efficient review and testing, thereby helping to speed concepts to deployment.In addition, using Open Source code results in products that are more easily adaptable to existing IT infrastructures.
Compare this to a proprietary software business model wherein a company retains its source-code in order to generate licensing revenue.
Furthermore, proprietary software often stipulates equipment requirements that force organisations to upgrade infrastructure. Thus adding additional layers of cost.
Latest Additions
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BECTA Report 13 May 2005 : Evaluation of OSS in Education
A project report evaluating the use of open source software (OSS) within a small number of schools was published on Friday, 13 May 2005 by Becta (British Educational Communications and Technology Agency).
In Reports Section. - Section on Open Source initiatives in Australia added. In Knowledge Zone>Country>Australia