[Watford] The future of Open Source in Government

[M Fernandes]

Hi Alan,

I would say quite the opposite; the government should slow down the
pace at which these fundamental decisions are being made.

Microsoft are clearly very, very worried about these changes, hence
the tactics they have adopted.  The definition of open standards (or
re-definition if you want to call it that) has to be re-visited to
make sure that it is non-partisan (given the way Microsoft have
acted).  That being the case, the rest of the work done subsequently
would have to be reviewed.  Of course, the information supplied in the
articles is very high-level, so, the above may not be warranted.

Clearly, there are people who are better placed to push the case for
Open Source software, although, I wouldn't blame you for taking a
sharp intake of breath at that statement; most of the board members
appear to be biased towards Microsoft.  I just hope that those tasked
with championing Open Source have been successful and positively
contributed to a standard that reflects the software architectural
landscape that now exists.

I would say that publishing what has happened and also contacting your
local MP would be the ideal way forward.  My perception is that
awareness is what's called for here.

Michael

On 14/05/2012, Alan Secker <alansecker0 at gmail.com> wrote:
> I found it very interesting. I am wondering what I (or we) can do to help
> accelerate the process.
> Lobbying our respective MPs perhaps?
>
> Alan
>
>
> On 14/05/12 14:09, M Fernandes wrote:
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> Thought you might find this interesting....
>> http://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240148893/What-is-the-future-of-open-source-in-government
>>
>> ...but then I saw this several days later (the above seems to have
>> been prophetic):
>> http://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240149216/Cabinet-Office-resets-conflict-of-interest-consultation
>>
>> Oh dear! Who got caught with their pants down!  :-)
>>
>> Michael
>>
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