Position Supporting HB 1011 (Free and Open Source Software Bill)

We, the Computer Professionals' Union, a network of computer professionals, free and open source advocates, enthusiasts and information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) advocates, supports the Free and Open Source Software Bill (HB 1101), initiated by Rep. Teddy Casiño and Rep. Neri Colmenares of Bayan Muna Partylist.

 

HB 1011 seeks to mandate the use of FOSS, open standards and open formats in all government information and communications technology (ICT) systems. However, it also recognizes that in extraordinary circumstances proprietary software can be used provided that such technologies conform with open standards and open formats

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We believe that the government has the right to define its procurement preferences similar to any other private companies do. HB 1011 gives preference to FOSS and open standards-compliant ICT solutions. This preference avoids vendor lock-in, protects the people's rights to access public information without the need for costly proprietary software, lower total cost of ICT solutions, enables greater security for highly sensitive government systems, ensures ICT is accessible to a greater number of users, and encourages Filipino talents to develop solutions for various sector and use of society.

 

Contrary to proprietary solutions, FOSS will enable the government to access source codes of a particular ICT solution. Source codes are a prerequisites in order to study and improve such projects. Moreover, the open standard and open format requirements ensures that ICT systems, even if provided by different vendors, are interoperable and scaleable to the growing needs of the government.

 

To date, FOSS solutions is not on equal playing field in government procurement of ICT solutions. Vendors provide proprietary solution even if FOSS solutions are available for similar requirements. HB 1011 will guide government procurement to a more informed choice in seeking ICT solutions through its preference for FOSS and solutions compliant to open standard and use open format.

 

Filipino talents for a long time has been used by businesses process outsourcing companies in supporting and developing ICT solutions for export. HB 1011 will encourage Filipino developers to produce creative solutions for various needs of the public sector and thus making their talents benefit the Filipino people.

 

The world of technology has changed. While there are monopolistic companies providing proprietary solutions for huge profit, there is also the other world of FOSS. FOSS has enabled large companies to develop solutions for various enterprise needs. It is time for the government to use FOSS, open standards, and open format to genuinely serve its constituents.##