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Proprietary vs. Open Source Software (OSS)
While governments are using both proprietary software and Open Source Software (OSS) to launch e-Government applications, OSS offerings have received a significant amount of attention in recent years, due to OSS’s perceived benefits in terms of costs, security, and flexibility. Some also argue that the use of open source in developing countries may speed the growth of local peer-to-peer open source communities and associated service industries. An EU-commissioned study explored both the spillover benefits of OSS and how governments can better support the development of open source industries.
It is important to note, however, that OSS is never ‘free.’ While there may not be an initial fee associated with an open source license, there are long-term costs associated with support and management. Given that many OSS products are continually evolving, specialized knowledge is needed for ongoing maintenance and support. Specific applications can also lose favor over time, meaning that developers may move on to newer technologies and may stop supporting old versions of programs. These factors introduce risk into the use of OSS applications. In comparison, proprietary software has higher initial licensing, software support, and update fees, but support is generally more stable for such products. Further research is required on how the costs of OSS compare to the costs of proprietary software in a developing country context.
Several governments, including Bahrain, China, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Philippines, and South Africa, now have a stated policy preference for OSS. Others, including Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Bulgaria, have gone a step further and mandated the use of OSS. A 2004 survey by the Center for Strategic and International Studies outlined the use of OSS in more than twenty developed and developing countries. In 2005, the EU conducted a survey of OSS use in e-Government.
There are many open source templates, software applications, and tools available for building websites and ‘interact’ and ‘transact’ applications. Open source software providers are often non-profit organizations and websites are their primary vehicle for distributing products.
<<Back Office Tools Next: OSS Resources>>
It is important to note, however, that OSS is never ‘free.’ While there may not be an initial fee associated with an open source license, there are long-term costs associated with support and management. Given that many OSS products are continually evolving, specialized knowledge is needed for ongoing maintenance and support. Specific applications can also lose favor over time, meaning that developers may move on to newer technologies and may stop supporting old versions of programs. These factors introduce risk into the use of OSS applications. In comparison, proprietary software has higher initial licensing, software support, and update fees, but support is generally more stable for such products. Further research is required on how the costs of OSS compare to the costs of proprietary software in a developing country context.
Several governments, including Bahrain, China, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Philippines, and South Africa, now have a stated policy preference for OSS. Others, including Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Bulgaria, have gone a step further and mandated the use of OSS. A 2004 survey by the Center for Strategic and International Studies outlined the use of OSS in more than twenty developed and developing countries. In 2005, the EU conducted a survey of OSS use in e-Government.
There are many open source templates, software applications, and tools available for building websites and ‘interact’ and ‘transact’ applications. Open source software providers are often non-profit organizations and websites are their primary vehicle for distributing products.
<<Back Office Tools Next: OSS Resources>>