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Government Data Management

AGIMO seeks public comments on Open Source Software Guide

By Clarice Africa | 1 April 2011

The Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) is seeking public input on the updated draft of its open source software guide, following the government’s recent release of its official policy requiring agencies to consider open source software for all software procurements.

Open source software is an alternative to proprietary software that provides users with the ability to view, copy, modify and distribute the software, subject to licensing conditions. Open source software can offer benefits to both the Australian Government and wider community, such as improved interoperability and possible cost savings.

According to Glenn Archer, First Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning, AGIMO updated the Open Source Software Guide to complement the Open Source Software policy which was release last January 2011.

Under the Australian Government’s Open Source Policy, agencies must actively and fairly consider open source software in all their information and communications technology software procurements.

“ We’ve updated this guide to bring it in line with the increased maturity of open source software, as well as the recent shift in the Australian Government’s policy on open source software”’ Archer said in an official statement found in the agency’s official blog site.

The new draft would provide tactical information that would assist agencies in assessing open source software solutions, including key issues to consider when procuring open source software.

In addition, the draft guide also addresses modification of open source software and carries various warnings around licensing and copyrights issues.

AGIMO is seeking public input on the draft open source guide through its blog (agimo.govspace.gov.au) until the 15th of April 2011.

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