Tag: Open Source Software

GPL, LGPL, BSD, Apache, and friends.

Ersatz pragmatism and the lock-in problem.

Bob Plankers believes that OpenStack exhibits lock-in behavior, and is therefore equivalent to proprietary technology like VMware and Hyper-V. This kind of argument sounds, on the surface, perfectly reasonable. Unfortunately, it ignores some important characteristics of both proprietary and open software in order to make good on a black-or-white argument in service of middle-ground ersatz … Continue reading Ersatz pragmatism and the lock-in problem. →

The Open Source Shared First Opportunity: > $1.2 Billion

“A collaborative, analysis-based approach that leverages the implementation of robust enterprise governance, cross-enterprise portfolio governance, together with segment enterprise architecture, is imperative to ensuring IT efficiently and effectively supports the mission and business functions of a government agency,” DHS Chief Information Officer Richard Spires told a House committee on Friday morning (full transcript below). “A … Continue reading The Open Source Shared First Opportunity: > $1.2 Billion →

NH HB418: Live free software or die.

Congratulations to New Hampshire, whose newly passed HB418 now requires the consideration of open source software, and promotes open data standards. This bill requires state agencies to consider open source software when acquiring software and promotes the use of open data formats by state agencies. This bill also directs the commissioner of information technology to … Continue reading NH HB418: Live free software or die. →

Open Source for America responds to the draft “Shared First” policy

Embracing the open source approach, though, and using it to encourage sharing between agencies, departments, other governments, and the general public is the purest expression of the goals of the Shared First policy. Open source excels at the Shared First Design Goals, including visibility, commoditization, reusability, extensibility, and standardization, and we believe it should be … Continue reading Open Source for America responds to the draft “Shared First” policy →

Symantec explains why proprietary software is dangerous

Someone stole Symantec's source code five years ago. Since that time, the only people who knew about the exploits were Symantec and the bad guys. So when Christine Ewing, the product manager, says "malicious users with access to the source code have an increased ability to identify vulnerabilities and build new exploits," she's only half-right. The … Continue reading Symantec explains why proprietary software is dangerous →

GOSCON: Climbing the Mountain

The Government Open Source Conference, masterfully curated by Deb Bryant and the good people at the Oregon State University Open Source Lab, is one of my favorite open source events. Every year, they manage to pull together quality speakers from innovative agencies and projects in a warm, collaborative, and exciting environment. Before the earthquake unpleasantness … Continue reading GOSCON: Climbing the Mountain →

DOD Open Technology Development Guide Released!

The DOD's second Open Technology Development Roadmap has been released: "Open Technology Development: Lessons Learned and Best Practices". It's a handbook for using and making open source in the DOD and the US Government, sponsored by the Secretary of Defense. It provides practical advice on policy, procurement, and good community governance, all under a Creative … Continue reading DOD Open Technology Development Guide Released! →