Open source software

The Maltese government is ready to consider the adoption of open source software (OSS) which is developed in the public since its source code is made available for modifications before implementation. This translates into substantial cost saving when compared to vendor-specific software.

Taking the cure from the European Commission and national governments around the world such as the French government, the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communication (MITC) has just published a paper outlining its views on OSS and its possible adoption in the public service.

"The Maltese government will seek to identify and implement the most advantageous solutions for its operations," a spokesman for MITC said. "OSS is increasingly becoming more stable and polished. This is why we are extending our ongoing research for the most cost-effective ICT solutions to include OSS options."

Indeed the document mentions the financial savings as one of the major advantages of adopting OSS.

"At an educational level, one of the major reasons for the lack of technology use in schools is the cost of licensing. The lower capital cost for acquiring open source enable new opportunities for schools which often operate on very low budgets. At a business level, it is often observed that open source does not offer a 'lock-in' strategy where the company is confined to a particular product often dependent on one vendor through the partner network. Total cost of ownership for open source software, including the customisation to add new functionalities, can be much less expensive than proprietary alternatives. For large consumers, including government, this can translate to significant cost savings," the document says.

OSS is considered by many as directly opposed to vendor-specific proprietary software, with OSS earning the reputation of being a sort of freedom movement to liberate the computer users from the financial and technical shackles imposed by software giants like Microsoft. The document tries to dispel such a view.

"There is a pervasive impression that the two are not compatible. This is not the case and the two can co-exist. This is why the ministry's first job will be to test and prove the compatibility with existing vendor-specific applications and their ability to co-exist with OSS."

In recent years the Maltese government has signed several vertical strategic alliances with major software makers such as Microsoft, SAP and Oracle. However, the MITC spokesman confirmed that the introduction of OSS does not preclude commercial vendors such as these.

"We believe that commercial and free and open source software can very well co-exist together. This government will ensure that it will strive to obtain the best of breed whether vendor specific or otherwise when dealing with its systems. 'Best of breed' that is in so far as cost, functionality and business continuity," he insisted.

The issue here is one of interoperability, but the document reassures that initiatives exist to foster an open engagement mainly between proprietary-software and open source communities. It encompasses a broad range of facilities, events and resources supporting interoperability.

The document mentions by name OSS software that are valid alternatives to Microsoft's software that dominates the PC and server software market, such as Star Office and OpenOffice suites, and Linux operating system.

Malta's 'Smart Island Strategy' includes a number of initiatives which will be deployed by government in order to propagate the use of open source at community, economic and societal level. As part of its e-inclusion programme, a number of the new centres to be opened as part of the community technology learning centres network (which already includes 12 centres) will be based on open source software to foster an open source culture.

Furthermore, the MITC is preparing to engage in a public consultation on the use of OSS in terms of social opportunities they provide. There will be a pilot use of a number of OSS desktops and office productivity applications in a school environment. The pilot will seek to prove the opportunities OSS provide while instilling the concept that there exist alternatives to traditional desktop software.

i-Tech asked MITC whether this pilot in schools could disrupt the work of students whose ICT lessons, and even the ECDL certification, are still based on Microsoft software.

"It would be unwise if the OSS will be adopted with some shock Big Bang approach; government feels it should promote awareness among students of all the options available in the market. In this regard, as policy makers we should ensure that our ICT educational policy is, as far as is practical, not vendor specific," the ministry spokesman said.

The government's caution is also reflected in the fact that after 16 months following the launch of Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system, new computers in the public service still have to be purchased or hired with the older Windows XP. Now, with active interest in OSS alternatives such as Linux, options are wider but choices tougher.

"A new OS always poses a challenge when deployed on a large scale. We are by no means the only organisation in the world to hold on to the current Windows XP desktop environment for the time being, particularly because of its stability and merits. We'll take other steps when we feel this benefits the efficiency of our organisation," the spokesman insisted, refusing to commit himself with a target date.

Malta's small size can turn into an advantage even with OSS. The Maltese government is ready to look into projects that exploit our country as a test-bed for nationwide roll-out of OSS applications in other countries.