Open Source or
Proprietary Software?

Educational institutions are faced with important decisions when it comes to deploying technology. One is the choice between proprietary (closed source) software and open source software. Proprietary software such as Microsoft Windows is functional but expensive. Open source software has a lower cost (it's often free) but assuring functionality places greater demands on the IT staff and requires training in Linux. However, significant sums of money are at stake. Australia's Northern Territory Government recently saved AUD $1 million and was able to add 1,000 computer terminals to schools after moving to open source software.

This is a complex issue, not least because optimal arrangements will often call for a mix of closed and open source software and the cross-training of staff to be proficient in both. For that reason these are decisions that management cannot simply delegate to their technical specialists. The role of management is to get the best results from the available resources. For educational institutions in the developing world, that means using limited IT budgets for maximum cost effectiveness. Management should look for a rational and judicious blend of open source and proprietary software.

This is a call for management to treat IT decisions as strategic choices. They can have a huge impact on your organisation.