Open source in the public sector

The advantages resulting from deploying open source in the public sector are essentially the same as those enjoyed in the private sector. Consequently, the services Interweft provides for the private sector are also applicable to the public sector. Please therefore refer to the appropriate general pages for these services.

The one major area where there is a significant difference is in defence and other security related sections of the government.

In these areas system, network, data and communication security is essential.

It is here that the auditability of open source provides a very significant advantage. Unlike proprietary software, open source software provides the source code, allowing government security experts to audit the code and ensure that it is not only secure, but also that it includes no trojans and back doors.  In addition, open source software can be customised to meet the specific needs of an organisation. In high security deployments, this advantage is significant: for example, it is easy to remove unwanted features and services in open source software, resulting in software that provides only needed services, hence reducing the security exposure.

To assist this process, Interweft also provides a service to assist in finding and recommending appropriate open source alternatives to proprietary software.

For more information, please contact Interweft