This is one of those common questions I get about open source - and one that was addressed in the open source tracks at Computers in Libraries. I always say that it’s no more risky than other software options - in fact I think it’s less risky - and apparently I’m not the only one:

Casey Coleman, chief information officer for the U.S. General Services Administration, said in a speech this week that the GSA heavily relies on open source to drive down costs, increase flexibility of IT dollars, and reduce risk.

…

Coleman cited some excellent reasons for deploying open-source software:

“By using open source, the agency won’t be locked in to using a proprietary software program, at least for the duration of the contract.

Not having sunk costs in a commercial software program also means the agency can move to a new program more quickly should its needs change. The general openness also means the agency could become a collaborator in the further development of the software itself.

‘You get much more transparency and interoperability, and that reduces your risk,’ she said.”

Awesome!! Read more here.

Yes - you read that title correctly! How awesome is that??

Argentina’s congress is actively considering a bill that would require all government offices to use open-source software. It’s partly a cost-saving move, and partly a way to bring the Argentine government into compliance with its software licensing

Found via The Open Road.