SYDNEY, Australia -- 14 November 2002 -- The Australian UNIX and Open Systems User Group (AUUG, Inc.) today welcomed the identification of Open Standards and Open Source as critical factors for the "Efficient Application of Technology" in the high level e-government strategy "Better Services, Better Government" launched this week by the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Richard Alston.

AUUG formed the Open Computing for Government (OCG) committee to help accelerate the adoption of Open Computing within all areas of the Australian Government sector.

"The Open Computing for Government Committee has had the opportunity to provide input to Government on several occasions since its formation, and we have been pleased with the positive reception and results thus far", said Gordon Hubbard, Chairman of the AUUG Open Computing for Government committee. "There are still many hurdles to cross, but Open Standards and Open Source is now definitely on the agenda in Canberra."

AUUG has been invited to present at a seminar for departmental Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) on government demand for Open Source Software that will be held by the National Office for the Information Economy (NOIE) in mid February 2003.

AUUG commends the following statements from the "Better Services, Better Government" strategy document:

"The Government will encourage trials of open source software within the framework of fit-for-purpose and value-for-money."

"..... the range of available software and software business models is increasing and the full range of options will continue to be considered and understood when making choices about whole-of-government architecture."

"Re-use of assets will be enhanced by greater commonality of architecture and open standards. For example, in the e-Europe 2005 Action Plan, there is a commitment to have an agreed interoperability framework in place for members of the European Union by the end of 2003. It will be based on open standards and encourage the use of open source software."

For more information on the AUUG Open Computing for Government (OCG) committee please visit http://classic.auug.org.au/ocg/

To read the entire e-government strategy "Better Services, Better Government" visit http://www.noie.gov.au/publications/NOIE/better_services-better_gov/index.htm
 
 

About AUUG Incorporated
AUUG Inc. is the Australian UNIX and Open Systems User Group, a professional association for end users, corporations, developers and vendors that promotes UNIX® and related systems, including Linux and BSD. Dating from 1975, AUUG is a national body with chapters that organise local activities in most capital cities.

Visit http://classic.auug.org.au/ or contact AUUG at:

AUUG Inc.
PO Box 7071
Baulkham Hills BC NSW 2153
Australia
Free Call 1800 625 655, Fax 02 8824 9522
International: Tel +61 2 8824 9511, Fax +61 2 8824 9522
E-mail: auug@auug.org.au
ACN A00 166 36N, ABN 15 645 981 718

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