The Challenges of Open Source Solution Procurement in the Public Sector

In this session, Maha will dispel a few common myths about the procurement of open source solutions and will help attendees gain a clearer understanding of the issues involved when adopting open source, especially in the public sector. Contrary to what is sometimes assumed, open source is not free of costs. The open nature of open source projects, whereby anyone can contribute or take the code and start their own fork, introduces competition which can drive down prices. On the other hand the costs involved with migrating to a completely different alternative open source solution can be high. Maha will clarify the different lock-in possible with open source solutions, and how open source and its costs are evaluated differently from closed source. The evaluation process for an open source solution necessitates a clearer understanding of the various benefits and challenges involved in order to keep expectations healthy and the procurement/implementation process sustainable.