The November 22 issue Federal Computer Week raised issues about the total cost of ownership when using open source software (OSS). The article discussed the relatively easy calculation of reduced OSS licensing savings versus the typical transition costs for conversion, support, and training - all costs and benefits need to be considered if making a change from one environment to another, not just licensing costs. Devis President, Peter Gallagher, added: "The best value determination for Federal contracting is complex and unique to each situation - there is no generic TCO report that can make a definitive decision about whether to procure open source versus closed source. Complex applications need the best product - whether open or proprietary - it is not an either/or decision and open standards can be used to bridge the compatibility gap. As the networked Government transition continues it will become increasingly more difficult to evaluate the longterm integration and support costs for all kinds of shared services and software components. A broader TCO definition of the service levels desired across Government may be needed."
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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Contact: Heidi Solis
Phone: 703.525.6485
Email: hsolis@devis.com
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