Switzerland now requires all government software to be open source

https://www.zdnet.com/article/switzerland-now-requires-all-government-software-to-be-open-source/

by dysonspheres1729

15 comments

  2. Switzerland’s reasons for this make a lot of sense. I would like to see the EU doing the same and forcing it in all member states.

    In addition to that, I would like to see a law that requires that whenever government bodies publish documents in a format that is only suitable for software of a particular vendor (looking at you, microsoft), an alternate version in an open format is available (e.g. PDF, ODF). This is as ridiculous as building a public road where you can only drive cars of a particular brand – if you do, there ought to be a parallel road open to vehicles of any brand.

    Of course private companies will continue to do it but that’s a different story. The state has to be neutral here and not force citizens to buy from any particular vendor.

    Waiting for someone to ask “why are you not using word?”. It is ok for an individual to ask that question, but the state shall not.

  4. Where’s the download link for their banking software?

  6. “This new law requires all public bodies to disclose the source code of software developed by or for them unless third-party rights or security concerns prevent it. This “public money, public code” approach aims to enhance government operations’ transparency, security, and efficiency.”

    So not really but still it’ll be interesting to see how this goes

  8. Who the fuck the Swiss put in power?

    The children of Einstein?

    The swiss politicians are extremely smart!

    While I don’t like anymore the Swiss after their close ties with the Russians and the shit show they did to not help Ukraine, I find this extremely impressive and I must admit how smart they are and how good this will be for them in the long term.

    Very good job Switzerland!

  9. Someone with no knowledge about open source, what are cons and pros?

  10. I hope Greece is next because the software situation here is ridiculous

  11. This is Switzerland. Switzerland is a world class country with referenda and local government at its center.

    Switzerland has decided to take advice from feedback by citizens that have a clue what they’re doing.

    Switzerland is smart. Be smart. Be like Switzerland.

  14. Hope the EU moves to adopt open standards for all sorts of files next. Having base standards would help grow local competition to microsoft office’s pseudo-monopoly

    Office 360 is a security nightmare. It’s practically a keylogger

  15. Those gov OSS things are exactly how you imagine them to be – crappier versions of the paid version.

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