EURIM Open Source, Open Standards
and
Inter-Operability Subgroup
Back to main PSD page
The
objective is to address the issues raised by the stated commitment of HMG to use
open standards in future procurements. The group also has a cross-cutting remit
to advise on standards issues as they relate to other EURIM activities.
A first task is to produce
basic guidance
for politicians and advisors covering:
What:
The definition of open source and open
standards.
- Introduce the key issues in defining open
source and open standards.
- Provide commentary comparing the
alternatives to open source and open standards, eg vendor led specifications
and proprietary licensing.
- Provide a balanced perspective on the
overall debate on these often contentious issues.
- Outline the role of the formal national,
European and international standards bodies (ISO, IEC and ITU).
- Describe the pros and cons of international
fora and consortia and lead examples (W3C, OASIS, IETF)
- Outline the key Open Source organisations –
OSI, FSF, FSFE.
- Key examples
-
Linux, Apache.
Why:
The
Importance and Impact of Open Source and
Open Standards
- Describe the potential contribution of open
source and open standards policies to key public priorities.
- Improving digital inclusion
.
Enhancing citizen choice.
Improving intra government and external
collaboration, “joining up” public services.
Open government and public data.
Reducing costs and promoting competition.
Improved access to public sector procurement
by SMEs.
| 
