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/