Local authorities launch open source advice site

A website has been launched to help local authorities consider whether to use open source software.

The Open Source Academy (OSA), a group of organisations with experience of using open source software, has launched the site.

The site includes a free “ask an expert” service, and will provide help to council members and officers about software procurement.

There will also be case studies of councils who have used open source software (OSS), technical papers, and a database of OSS systems to help address integration needs.

The OSA is a consortium led by Birmingham council and includes Cheshire, Bristol and Shepway councils. It also includes the University of Kent, OpenForum Europe, the National Computing Centre, the Society of IT Management and the Institute of IT Training.

Funding has been provided through the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's e-innovations programme.

The site can be reached here:

http://www.opensourceacademy.gov.uk/