The Isle of Man Government (IOMG) should not ignore Open Source delivery where it meets their requirements. The DA recognises that Open Source solutions are a serious contenders and must not be considered less favourably because they are Open Source. Under certain circumstances, solutions that are Open Source may be a preferred choice.
What is Open Source?
Open Source software is a type of computer software whose source code is released under licences which (depending on the licence) grant the right to share, reuse, develop and distribute the software. Within the context of the Isle of Man Government, software obtained under an Open Source licence can be packaged software, libraries or source code.
To adhere to this section of the TCOP the ICT project or programme must record and show its adherence to the applicable standard/s in Section 3 – 7.1 demonstrating how your deployment has ensured that it has appropriately considered and utilised open source technologies or development practices where possible.
The DA Stance of Open Source
Every solution that the DA evaluates is based on its relevant merits, regardless of it being Open Source or not, and as such the DA encourages the appropriate use of Open Source solutions for development and when procurements, designs and technologies are being evaluated. For any system that is procured by the ICT project or programme Open Source products shall not be discounted unless they do not meet part of the TCOP standard, do not meet the security requirements or do not meet the business requirements set out by the project.
The DA encourages engagement with the Open Source model of delivery and will work to assist where appropriate with the engagement with the Open Source community.
The Open Source Solution
Any ICT Project or Programme could benefit from an Open Source deployment in the following use cases:
- Where common issues or technology problems have already been solved in the open source community with published, tried and tested solutions.
- Reuse of technologies and resource already developed should result in more time spent on the unique customised solutions required by IOMG
- As solutions are already in existence and being constantly improved/updated there should be lower implementation and running costs for the IOMG
Open Source software is not completely free, there is still the cost of maintaining the source code and the total cost of migrating, including exit and transition costs from existing off the
shelf technologies must be included in the business case for moving. Open Source development must be considered where value for money can be achieved or where a long term strategical approach will result in a cost saving for other projects and programmes.
When evaluating any Open Source delivery or product, the different nature of each delivery model presents their own risks and challenges to be understood and (where applicable) mitigated.