Written question asked by Adrian Sanders (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 6 September 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 September 2010. It was answered by Lord Maude of Horsham (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 September 2010 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Government Departments: Computer Software

Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps are being taken to encourage the procurement of open source software in Government Departments; and what estimate has been made of the savings which could be made by transferring to open source software.

Answer: The Government are committed to using more open source solutions where possible.The Cabinet Office along with the Office of Government Commerce are working on ““Guidance for Procurers”” specifically covering open source software. A key principle is that Government will actively and fairly consider open source solutions alongside proprietary ones in making procurement decisions.Procurement decisions will be made on the basis of the best value for money solution to the business requirement, taking account of total cost of ownership of the solution.Where there is no significant overall cost difference between open and non-open source products, open source will be selected on the basis of its additional inherent flexibility.No estimates on the likely level of savings that will accrue from transferring to open source software have been made. While more open procurement can undoubtedly save money, it is difficult to ascertain precise cost savings from open source software alone as it is one element in the overall solution.

Secondary information