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Location: Science & Technology
Discussion: Switch to Open Source
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 PacShady |
Switch to Open Source
Feb 29 2008, 3:18 AM EST The Government today relies heavily on computers, and in many circumstances rely on using costly, proprietary software to conduct business. As far as I'm aware, the current system when it comes to choosing open source solutions is that, if an open source product can perform at the same level as a proprietary product, it may be considered as a solution. I propose firstly, that ALL Government computers be switched over to a free operating system (Linux, BSD, etc) if at all possible, and that open source products get PRIORITY over their costly, closed source counterparts (rather than just being "considered" and eventually rejected over favoured, better advertised proprietary systems). This will decrease the amount of money spent needing to upgrade systems such as Microsoft Windows and Office on a regular (sometimes yearly) basis, while at the same time providing greater stability and security. 66 out of 79 found this valuable. Do you? |
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Anonymous |
RE: Switch to Open Source
Feb 29 2008, 6:32 AM EST I'd rather that government looked at the total cost of ownership including staff training (or retraining) and that it worked to keep that as low as possible to minimise the burden on taxpayers. Neither open source nor proprietary should "get PRIORITY". 1 out of 6 found this valuable. Do you? |
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Anonymous |
RE: Switch to Open Source
Mar 5 2008, 12:44 AM EST I'm a big fan of open source, but I agree with the other anon poster... I run an Internet business, and it's safe to say that I'm pretty dependant on OS software (half our staff even run linux on their desktops) - but the fact is, cost of software is only one of the costs involved. Aside from training, you also need to ensure continued development... so whilst I support a switch to open source where possible - rather than giving automatic priority to OS, I think each case needs a total cost/benefit analysis. A better provision would be that government *consider* open source in each and every case, and make their decision on cost/benefit. 6 out of 9 found this valuable. Do you? |
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arctanx arctanx |
RE: Switch to Open Source
Mar 6 2008, 7:39 AM EST It's worth noting too that there are shallower steps which can be taken. OpenOffice and Mozilla Firefox are examples of free and open source software which are familiar in interface to the most ardent Windows users. I'm an idealist when it comes to FOSS, but I don't like our chances of convincing many people, and therefore the Government, that open formats are important. So let's start with simple steps. I'm going to be a little pragmatic and say that if we were to make a big push to have open source software in desktops in Government facilities everywhere, we should wait until the graphical interface and hardware support is running a little better. Things are definitely shaping up... KDE4 is a shining example of what Linux can offer in the desktop market, but I think we should bide our time and let Microsoft demonstrate its incompetence for a while longer. When the rest of the world comes around and realises that you actually don't get what you pay for, we'll be ready with a working and free product which is simple to implement and hopefully will be familiar enough that retraining will not be a major issue, especially if it's implemented over time. 3 out of 4 found this valuable. Do you? |
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trishf42 trishf42 |
RE: Switch to Open Source
Mar 8 2008, 3:53 PM EST I think it's absolutely possible to expect government to mandate the use of open source and open standards wherever possible, because it's a major driver of what happens in the technology economy in this country. If we let government keep mandating and accepting proprietary, closed-source, closed-standards software, the purchase of which benefits an overseas corporation, then we're not expecting it to support the local development industry. Lots of exceptional FLOSS developers have had to go overseas to work; how is that helping the local economy? Never mind about convincing government - let's start *expecting* something of them. 1 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you? |
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trishf42 trishf42 |
RE: Switch to Open Source
Mar 8 2008, 3:57 PM EST I don't think the OP was expecting *business* to use FLOSS - it was more about expecting government to lead the way, in a way that would have long-lasting benefits to the Oz economy and IT industry. If you think that it's as simple as whether or not it's a burden on taxpayers, what will you think when we taxpayers can't access our FOI requests because the documents were written in some locked-up proprietary standard that can no longer be accessed? That's our computers, our software and our information that's being locked in - let's expect the government to move towards making it more accessible to *us*. 1 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you? |
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PacShady |
RE: Switch to Open Source
Mar 8 2008, 4:13 PM EST Yup, I'm talking about Government. It can be done, other countries have done it, others are following. The cost of retraining, one must remember, is really a once-off cost, as current staff are trained with the new system (new staff are still trained one way or another). Versus the repeated cost of license fees for proprietary software, not to mention the ongoing costs of maintenance of Windows computers getting hammered by viruses and what not, the cost of retraining is really not that much in the big picture. After a few years, the initial cost of retraining is absorbed by the lack of need to fix broken Windows PC's, and not having to upgrade to the latest Windows, the latest Office, etc. 1 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you? |
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Anonymous |
RE: Switch to Open Source
Mar 8 2008, 8:17 PM EST "I don't think the OP was expecting *business* to use FLOSS - it was more about expecting government to lead the way" Yes, I realise that - I was just saying that it's not always cheaper to use it, and that I'd rather government not waste money in these cases (for the record, I still voted "yes" to your suggestion). As far as business goes, of course no intervention is necessary... they will generally do whatever is cheapest for them (I'm certainly happy that my employees use linux - saves me giving money to Microsoft) Perhaps putting linux in schools is a good start. Educationally speaking, it's useful for the children to learn about it anyway - but as they grow up and move into the workforce, it will make the idea more acceptable. 1 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you? |