Open Source Software Acquisition at the DoD – July 2006

The Government Computer News reported on the recently released "Open Technology Development (OTD) Roadmap". This landmark document was released by the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Advanced Systems & Concepts. The OTD outlines the need for the DoD to begin to take advantage of open source software technologies and methods to enhance the flexibility of critical IT systems.

Devis has long been a supporter of open source software for eGovernment via our concept of "Public InfoStructure." Public InfoStructure represents a philosophy that promotes making all eGovernment investments open source (i.e. free to re-use) wherever possible. "At Devis we are thrilled that the value of open source is now being discussed at senior policy levels" said Devis President, Peter Gallagher. "The OTD report is unique in that it takes on, for the first time, some of the all important acquisition issues related to government funded open source eGovernment development. Devis firmly believes that commercial open source software, or COSS, should be on a level playing field with COTS in all procurements. And, importantly, we believe it is logical that acquisition evaluation factors should be enabled to value the re-usability, reduced risk, increased flexibility, and other factors that are attributed to open source software in the OTD report. A dynamic COSS ecosystem for eGovernment applications has the potential to radically transform the value proposition for government customers."

About Development InfoStructure, Inc. (Devis)
Development InfoStructure, Inc. (Devis) was founded in 1992 to provide innovative, practical approaches to information management. Devis is a leading provider of IT Consulting services and solutions to Federal, State, and Local Governments as well as the international development community. Devis' standards-based, vendor-independent approach and active support of the open source community help maximize the return on clients' IT investments.

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Press Inquiries:
Contact: Heidi Solis
Phone: 703.525.6485
Email: hsolis@devis.com