Guide to Open Source Software in Government

Open Source and MySQL @ Work in Applications

Open source technology, though not new to government, is playing an increasingly important role in helping develop the next generation of highly scalable information applications. Many such applications are built on the LAMP open source software stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP / Python / Perl) which provides the main infrastructure for cost-effective application development and deployment.

Key elements of open source software that make it attractive to government include:

• Greater interoperability: Open source software is typically based on open standards making it easier to share information than with proprietary systems.
• Eliminates lock-in: Open source provides flexibility by eliminating platform and vendor lock-in.
• Higher level of security: Studies have shown open source software to be more reliable and more secure than closed-source equivalents. When patches are required, they are typically available in a matter of hours, rather than days or months.
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Studies have shown that the improved reliability and productivity of open source software combined with reduced hardware and software expenses can result in up to 90% lower TCO compared to traditional closed source software.

In this white paper, we review some of the reasons why open source software is ideally suited to government. We also provide examples of where open source software in general, and the MySQL open source database in particular, have enabled government organizations to develop and deploy highly scalable applications at a fraction of the total cost of traditional, closed source software.

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