DE: Interior minister: 'Open source reduces vendor lock-in and monopolies'
Using open source helps to avoid being locked-in by IT vendors and prevents IT services monopolies, says Wolfgang Schäuble, Germany's minister of the Interior.
"Free software has several other benefits, such as increasing the security of IT, because the source code can be verified, and enhancement of innovation, because anyone can participate in the development of such software", Schäuble writes on Abgeordnetewatch.
This website allows German citizens to ask questions to the political candidates that participate in the upcoming federal elections on 27 September.
The minister yesterday replied to questions by Matthias Kirschner, a representative of the free software advocacy group FSFE.
Schäuble writes he wants public administrations to objectively consider the long-term when purchasing IT, weighing options such as the possibility to adapt the software to future needs or being able to replace it.
"Purchasing proprietary products can give rise to a 'service monopoly', that is becoming dependent on one manufacturer and its product strategy. However, this is the consequence of a procurement process, and such dependence should be considered in advance."
According to Schäuble, the Ministry of the Interior (BMI)is a long-time supporter of open source software. "This support is mainly through practical assistance to public administrations, for instance by regularly updating of the Migration Guide, a list of open source alternatives."
A second example of the BMI's support is its support for the Open Source Competence Centre (CC-OSS) and BMI's list of preferred open source solutions.
Lasting value
In a statement the FSFE welcomed the response of Schäuble and other candidates on question regarding free software. "Free Software brings significant benefits for the economy" says Karsten Gerloff, president of FSFE. "On that basis Germany's small and medium enterprises are able to offer high quality services and create lasting value for our country. We are delighted that candidates are aware of this opportunity."
More information:
Answers by the minister of the Interior (in German)
Migration Guide (in German)
Open source competence centre, CC-OSS (in German)
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