NCC laboratory tests open-source software

NCC test laboratory hat aims to prove viability of open-sourse software applications

The UK government is backing a National Computing Centre (NCC) test laboratory hat aims to prove the viability of open-source software applications and configurations for public-sector organisations.

The Open Source Laboratory is part of the Open Source Academy, a project funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister as part of the government’s ‘e-Innovations’ initiative.

In a statement, NCC said: “Open-source software provides an alternative and potentially more cost-efficient way of delivering e-government services over the lifetime of service provision.

“The public sector is traditionally dominated by proprietary solutions, with take-up of open-source technologies relatively low.

“The creation of the Open Source Laboratory will help public-sector organisations evaluate alternatives in an independent test environment without compromising current service delivery.”

The laboratory is available to all public-sector organisations. It provides technical support and a suite of test-bed machines in a safe area. Access is currently free.

The resources can be configured to required specifications, possibly in conjunction with a client’s software.

NCC will assist in defining tests, and conduct and report on the trials.

Ed Downs, project manager at the laboratory, said: “Public-sector organisations can evaluate technologies and configurations, and get answers to technical queries, without the risks- of undertaking the work in their own organisations.”

Cheshire County Council will be the first user, evaluating a joint open-source and proprietary software platform for desktop services.