[aclug-L] Re: open source in state governments

[Michael Osten <mosten@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Mon, 2003-03-17 at 07:50, flimzy@xxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> > I think what's actually going to happen is that somewhere some
> > middle-level state bureaucrats are going to get the open source
> > bug and start experimenting with open source solutions. I.e.,
> > they're going to come in through the back door where they can
> > work around the budget process, rather than come in through
> > anything like legislation. I imagine that there are actually
> 
> I think you're probably right.  I've heard of quite a number of city
> governments around the country using open-source, or other closed-source
> alternatives to M$ in recent months.  I think the smaller, more agile
> governmental bodies will make wide-spread use of OS software before city
> (and eventually, fenderal) gov't will.

The city of Lawrence, Kansas makes considerable use of open source
software.  Of course there are still legacy systems that can not be
replaced due to lack of alternative, or simple cost.


> And really, that's fine with me.  I'd probably rather have the smaller
> gov'ts work all the "bugs" out before the larger ones do.  (And I'm not
> talking about software bugs, but more procedural bugs that always occur
> when making major changes).

Radical changes in *any* organization can cause chaos.  

> Personally, I think legislation that requires the use of or consideration
> of OS software is silly--and a bit hypocritical.  In an open-source
> mindset, all options should be given equal opportunity, and the best
> option should (eventually) win.  We don't want legislation that requires
> the use or consideration of software that falls under any other category
> of licensing, do we?  So why do we want it for OS software?
> Imagine legislation that required use/consideration of shareware.  Or
> Bannerware.  Or "Free for non-commercial use" software... etc.

I disagree when we are talking about publicly funded projects.  Private
business can buy whatever they want.  I believe that our tax dollars are
best spent funding software that gives organizations the ability to have
choices.  

Kansas has a law that unfortunately I can not find a link to at this
moment, that forbids government agencies from using services/products
from companies that have been convicted of Anti-trust or monopolist
laws...where do you suppose this leaves Microsoft?  I'll tell you
where..the same place they have been in for 10 years (locked in, because
radical changes in organizations can cause chaos.).   

-- 
Michael Osten
(620)437-2961

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