Re: [SLUG] Federal Gov Open Source Policy

[Kevin Saenz <kevsaenz@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

It's been a while since I have responded to slug emails.

You need to put this in to perspective. There are a number departments that actually use open source, to some extent. You must bear in mind that there are others who have a strictly microsoft. 

I know of one department 6 years ago required the skills of Linux and Unix people to convert the department from opensource to microsoft only environment, because said department employed a "microsoft ranger", and to this date he is still their CIO. 

What you have to be aware to be successful with tenders or projects you need to sit on a board of vendors to even be considered for a job or contract for a scope of work. the Federal government is a large market and you have fight your case on a departmental and divisional level.

there are other departments who employed the same web technology as President Obama.
Yes Open source has a place in Public sector IT but sadly it's not in business critical areas of the sector, and it has been visible for a long time.





>> The policy includes three principles as well as some draft text for government departments and agencies to include in future RFT documentation:
>>   * Principle 1:  Australian Government ICT procurement processes must actively and fairly consider all types of available software.
>>   * Principle 2: Suppliers must consider all types of available software when dealing with Australian Government agencies.
>>   * Principle 3:  Australian Government agencies will actively participate in open source software communities and contribute back where appropriate.
> <http://www.katelundy.com.au/2011/02/03/welcome-news-for-open-source/comment-page-1/>
> 
> Policy available in HTML at
> <http://www.finance.gov.au/publications/guide-to-open-source-software/index.html>
> 
> Marghanita
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> http://ramin.com.au
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