Open source offers the best value

You ask whether we agree with Conservative party plans to use more open source technology if it wins the next general election (Should the government use more open source, computing.co.uk/2185470). The government has a duty to make best use of tax-payers’ money and get best value for it.
Open source and free software alternatives represent a chance for any organisation to get best value for money. Open source does not necessarily provide the cheapest option but it can offer better value.
Free and open source software is a service-based model - customers cannot be locked into a product so any money made has to come from services such as support, management and customisation, rather than the software itself. Ultimately an organisation is free to provide all these services themselves internally.
Free and open source alternatives provide better standards compliance because the standards exist for a purpose, better quality and more innovative products.
The time when people had to justify using open source software has long passed. People - and especially governments - should now be required to justify the continued use of proprietary solutions.
Mark Curtis