Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by David Gauke (Conservative) on Monday, 22 January 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 January 2007. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 January 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Open Source Software

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of his Department's computer systems use open source software; what percentage of the systems planned to be installed use such software; and whether he plans to increase the use of open source software in his Department.
Answer

The choice of software to meet the business needs of the Home Office now largely rests with its strategic IST suppliers who are contracted, largely under the Private Finance Initiative (and PPP arrangements), to meet business requirements and provide value for money solutions, including the consideration of open source solutions. In the main, the Home Office no longer chooses specific software. This factor, combined with the large number of computer systems operated by the Department prevent us from providing percentage figures for the number of systems in which open source software is used and planned.Within our business requirements the Home Office ensures that any technical choices should meet relevant Government software standards and provide for interoperability with our public and business partners. Currently this does not include the extensive use of open source software.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
456 c193-4W; 111168
Session
2006-07
Subjects
Software Home Office
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk