Government moves to open source
The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has established a new online purchasing system using Open Sourced software, which, it claims, will allow public sector bodies to buy products quicker, easier and more cost effectively.
The LINUX based system, called Purchase & Pay is currently being operated by OGCbuying.solutions, the executive agency of the OGC, for customers in the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) for the purchase of printed forms, stationery and associated items. It is intended to eventually encompass a much wider range of goods and services. It claims that as part of the system's on-going development, a facility which allows not only the buying of goods and services, but also the payment of the resulting invoices on-line, will be incorporated in coming months.
Hugh Barrett, Chief Executive of OGCbuying.solutions, said: "Our decision to use Open Source software was based on its proven reliability, portability and lower licensing costs. Overall it represented best value for money in this application".
Under the arrangement, OGCbuying.solutions has provided the hardware platform, networks, and interfaces to allow the system to operate. All requirements for the system were sourced through existing OGCbuying.solutions framework agreements.
IBM, who supplied the server hardware for the system, also acted as 'prime contractor' for Belmin, the SME supplier responsible for the implementation of EROS software, based on IBM's Informix U2 product, onto the Linux Open Source architecture. Cable & Wireless provided the network infrastructure and will support the hardware element of the new system.
Rebecca George, Director, UK Government Business, IBM UK said: "By selecting Linux for Purchase and Pay, OGC is benefiting from the value for money that Open Source software can offer government IT projects. IBM is delighted to work with DWP and their partners on Purchase and Pay, helping OGC to deliver a critical application that is secure and scalable and has delivered tangible benefits from day one."