Betfair adopts open source data management

Online gambling firm Betfair is adopting open source data management tools that the supplier estimates will save it £500,000 in software licensing costs.

The Opsview tools, supplied by UK start-up Altinity, are also used by Allianz Cornhill, Trinity Mirror, Winterflood Securities and the NHS.

James Peel, managing director at Altinity, said, "Even the most risk averse, brand-conscious IT consumers, such as gambling firms and financial services suppliers, are beginning to adopt open source systems. It could herald a new wave of confidence in license-free software."

Trinity Mirror is saving about £200,000 a year on licensing fees by using an open source system, said Peel. "Open source saves money and gives clients a lot more flexibility. Resistance to using non-branded software is crumbling as the market matures, and people have confidence in buying a service, rather than a brand," he said.