Open Source Software fits the Bill

- Virtual Pensacola

The Governor-General has granted Assent to the Government Software Procurement Act.

Last Month the House of Lords approved and laid before the Throne a bill to require that the Government use Free and Open Source Software where ever possible. The discussion in the Chambers of the House of Lords focused on the Standards to be used, and on the issue of non-government accquired software.

The House of Lords approved the bill on 22 November, and it was 'Laid before the Throne' on the 27th.

With today's grant of assent the Bill became an Act of the Parliament of the Dominion of British West Florida. The Dominion joins a number of other nations with provisions requiring that Open Solutions be the 'first choice' of Government.

The Chairman of the House of Lords Select Committee on Stationery and Stamps will be required to fill reports on the software chosen by the Government.