Open Source

The government position on open source for government agencies was developed in 2003 by the State Services Commission in consultation with the Ministry of Economic Development.

The State Services Commission provided a briefing to the Minister for State Services on the potential for the use of open source software within government, and any associated risks or limitations, in March 2003. As a result of the briefing, it was:

• noted that open source software is generally a viable alternative to commercial software, and that it is increasingly used in both the private and public sectors globally;
• noted that 'value for money' and 'fitness for purpose' principles should continue to underlie any software procurement decision made by government agencies; and
• agreed that government agencies, when acquiring, upgrading or relicensing software, be encouraged to assess open source alternatives (where these exist) and should choose based on cost, functionality, interoperability, and security.

Legal Issues:

The State Services Commission prepared a guide, in 2003, to assist New Zealand government departments in assessing and mitigating the legal risks of using open source software.

Briefing to the Minister:

The Minister for State Services was originally briefed on the potential for the use of open source software within government, and any associated risks or limitations, in March 2003.