Government organisations are required by law to adopt open-source practices. The policy guideline ‘Open, Unless’ stipulates that software developed by the government must be ‘open source by default’. Still, while developers are generally aware of the benefits of open source, convincing your manager can be a challenge. Tom Ootes, based at developer.overheid.nl, shares several tips on how to make your case.
Understand your manager’s concerns
Your manager may have various concerns regarding open source. Common questions include: Is open-source secure and reliable? How much time and money does it take to work with open source? What about licensing issues? Be prepared with solid, well-researched answers to these questions. It’s important to show that you take their concerns seriously and are willing to address them comprehensively.
Focus on the positives
Working with open source can lead to exciting collaborations and valuable contacts. By open-sourcing internal projects, other government organisations can benefit and open doors for joint innovation.
Additionally, showcasing that your organisation has several open-sourced projects can create a positive impression for prospective employees. Also, in a general sense, it adds value to your organisation’s public relations and enhances visibility by offering a behind-the-scenes look at your work.
Acknowledge the Challenges
While there are many advantages to open source, it’s essential to recognise the challenges as well. For example, handling personal data requires extra caution to ensure that sensitive information isn’t made public. Fortunately, there are various resources available, such as the Standard for Public Code (in Dutch) which provides guidance on best practices when working with open source.
Interested in learning more about open-source?
If you would like to delve deeper into the world of open source or get started yourself, consider exploring the community (Dutch) with additional tips from Tom Ootes.
