UK Government Updates Open Source Policy

Today, the UK government has updated the Open Source Policy following pressure from OSS groups.

It was claimed the government were failing to ensure its own rules on using Open Source software in the public sector were being adhered to. Suppliers need to provide evidence that they have considered Open Source solutions as part of their procurement documentation. If this is not available they are likely to be disqualified from the procurement. It also added that the principles of using Open Source Open Standards needed to be increased throughout all ICT enabled public services

The Open Source Policy, which was published in February 2009, introduced new measures to promote open standards and encourage the reuse of software. The latest update expects all software licences to be bought “on the basis of reuse across the public sector”. With the cabinet office due to launch the government cloud, it is hoped they will adopt these rules.

Angela Smith, the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office, says they have been listening closely to the views of Open Source experts. Subsequently, they have updated the policy to address key points which will take advantage of the benefits of using open source.

Some of the key statistics brought to light in the original policy included:-

• 25% of secondary schools use the Linux operating system on at least one computer.

• 35% of the NHS uses Open Source operating systems.

• Birmingham City Council library services use Open Source across their departments including for public use.

• Larger enterprises and major IT industries engage with Open Source and Open Standards realising the benefit this brings to them.