Should Republicans support the Government switching from Microsoft products to Free Open Source Software?

Question

They say they want to cut spending. Very well, here's a suggestion.

Stop using tax-payer money to subsidize Microsoft's dominance. Switch all Government offices over to Linux and Free Open Source Software. That alone would halve the what the Government spends on IT and the very least.

So, shouldn't the GOP support switching over to Linux and Open Source Software?

Answer 1

The German government tried your suggestion a couple years ago and it was a huge mess. They found that the open source software feature set was inadequate. The government of China is now deploying open source software on a large scale. The results aren't in yet. It would be a good idea to examine the reasons why open source software and operating systems don't work as well before deploying them. The deficiencies may be able to be overcome, but making a change to save money in the short term can cost a lot more in the long run.

Answer 2

Politicians shouldn't get involved in trivial matters like this at all when deciding how to run government agencies. Within government agencies, they should simply allow the IT managers to continue to make decisions on these sorts of issues, and preferably hire IT managers with outside experience in the corporate world, as those IT managers would best know how to maintain efficient, practical computer systems.



If Republicans (or Democrats) in legislative positions with little understanding of computers did decide to use open source software, and it wasn't the most cost saving move after considering all factors, then this would be a good example of why government agencies tend to be more inefficient than the private sector.

Answer 3

It's a moot 'question.'



Liebrals had two years in complete control; they should have gotten that taken care of.

Answer 4

sounds too reasonable

Answer 5

yes but they won't