Amsterdam to experiment with open source

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Amsterdam, a city famed for its liberal approach to life, is exercising its freedom of choice by seriously considering replacing its current Microsoft-based desktop environment in favour of open source.

The city's interest in open source software is more than just a passing phase and will be backed up by around €300,000 of investment this year in addition to trials in its housing office and borough office in Zeeburg.

Amsterdam's current contract with the Redmond giant ends in 2008, meaning it has two years in which to fully evaluate and decide on the potential of open source and, likewise,

Microsoft has the same timeframe to convince the city not to tweak the terms of its relationship.

The city's dalliance with open source software is set against the backdrop of a wider Netherlands-based initiative, championed by other Dutch cities, focused on providing greater transparency by aiding interoperability and reducing supplier dependence by working with a bigger community.

A spokesman at Amsterdam's City Hall confirmed that the evaluation is taking place and pointed towards a statement alluding to the reasoning behind the interest.

"Earlier this year, a study ordered by the city council showed that an 'open' software strategy leads to more independence from suppliers," it said.

"In addition, the use of open software can lead to better exchange and storage of information, without unacceptable financial or logistical risks."

As yet, the city currently doesn't intend to completely eradicate Microsoft from its IT landscape, but if the trials are successful it does expect any future contracts to be much smaller.

Microsoft was unable to comment on the city's plans at the time of going to press.

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