Over use of expensive software systems

Over use of expensive software systems

Wayne Eddy 01 Jul 2010 04:10

When an organisation purchases an expensive software system there is a tendency to try and use the system to do as much as possible - presumably to try and get value for money. It is a natural reaction, but I think it is the wrong thing to do. I believe it is better to use Open Source Software to perform as many tasks as possible, and to only use the expensive software system for tasks that no other software can do. Then in the future if an open source or cheaper solution becomes available that can replace the more expensive system you won't find yourself locked into the expensive system and unable to make the change to a more economic alternative.

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Wayne Eddy
Melbourne, Australia
LGAM Knowledge Base
Contact via Google+

Re: Over use of expensive software systems

Ashish Shah 07 Jul 2010 00:13

Wayne,

I and others are definately supportive of this idea. But, how to take it further, as IT departments in Councils (I have worked with 3 Council's now) are very reluctant to any changes to their Standard Operating System (SOE).
Most of the Councils' might have similar OS and other utilities (but they want to test everything, if at all they agree to investigate after business cases and lots of arguments). They might not want to adopt from IT departments from other Councils.

Just for example, we will be trialing ADAC, there is much resistance from IT than anyone else. This is shared cost model (not free) but, still difficult to take them along. They wanted near risk-free, day to day operations.

Hmm…..Not innovative, let alone supportive of any trial of such free tools available. Remember, I had to take approvals to have write access to LGAM.info in first instance.

How can we take it further? How can we promote it? (Councillor workshops, LGAQ level?)

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Ashish Shah
Program Leader - Road Asset Management
Logan City Council

Re: Over use of expensive software systems

Wayne Eddy 14 Jul 2010 03:40

Hi Ashish,

I think the first step is for LG people who are already making good use of Open Source products, to tell their counterparts in other Councils what they have been doing, and how it has made their lives easier. If you or anyone else reading this has any influence with the LGAQ or their counterparts elsewhere, by all means see if they will promote the idea for us. Any top down support for the concept would be great.

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Wayne Eddy
Melbourne, Australia
LGAM Knowledge Base
Contact via Google+