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Based on an on-line survey during the summer months followed-up by interviews with 160 IT project directors, heads of procurement and other IT decision makers, half of which are employed in the private sector and the other half representing the public sector and another fifty interviews with IT vendors, a French research firm found out that 96% of the public sector companies use Open Source softwares.

Next to running databases and web sites, open source is mostly used for IT administration. The major reason for using open source is that the products are mature, replied 77 percent of the participants to the survey.  Second most heard argument, at 67 percent, is that it offers independence from IT suppliers. Interoperability and the development of public policies are reasons given by 48 and 43 percent of the participants.

The research firm says that half of the respondents say that the current financial crisis is not a reason to switch to open source. However, to 39 percent this did make it more of an option. Markness expects the French open source IT market to grow by more than 16 percent in 2011.

 It’s a great news for open source supporters. I hope U.S. companies realize the value and cost savings and start using open source softwares like their European couterparts.

Source: OSOR.eu
Technorati Tags: Open Source, France, Public Sector

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