The Open Source Dilemma for Governments

Sam Hiser writes "Tom Adelstein, open source consultant and Member of the Open Government Interoperability Project ("OGIP") working group, offers another incisive article in which he discusses the costs in the terms of lives and dollars when local governments do not deploy open standards-based software for data sharing. Asks Adelstein, 'Can local governments afford to create redundant applications to meet new Federal standards for first responder alerts, emergency services, law enforcement, broadcasters?' He posits that Open Source collaborative initiatives may provide the only solution for the US if the people want to create a safer environment."

Re:AMBER ALERT!

[NanoGator]

"Sorry you need to update your version of Microsoft Office to 2003sp3 in order to report a child missing."

Careful about firing shots like that. Open Source has it's downsides too. You don't want anybody scoring a +3 funny on ya.

Re:Open Data formats more important

[happyfrogcow]

Score: -1, Use of the word "Terrorist" to strengthen argument

;) just kidding... mostly.. a little bit anyway.