Linux IT takes strategic role in Bristol Council deal

Integrator attends Cabinet Office meeting to help get BCC's open-source strategy back on track

Linux IT has revealed it has been called in to advise Bristol City Council (BCC) on its ambitious open-source strategy.

The open-source integrator attended a meeting today called by the Cabinet Office to discuss the council's open-source adoption strategy, which it said had "allegedly suffered from flawed advice" provided by its previous open-source provider.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Cabinet Office, BCC, GCHQ, BeLIB and Nameless.

Peter Dawes-Huish, chief executive of Bristol-based Linux IT (pictured), told ChannelWeb the meeting underlines central government's commitment to open-source adoption.

Dawes-Huish admitted BCC's open-source journey had not been all plain sailing.

"Everyone recognises that when you are a leader in an innovative environment [as BCC is], during the course of that you will face some challenges. But BCC recognises it has absolutely the right aspirations," he said.

"This demonstrates that central and local government are absolutely committed to adoption of open source."

Dawes-Huish confirmed that Linux IT is now involved in the project at a strategic level. He refused to pass further comment on the history of the project, stressing that his firm was not involved at the start.

"Their aspiration is to adopt open-source technology where it provides best value to the citizens and they will continue down that path," he said.

Mark Taylor, chief executive of Sirius IT – which had previously been advising BCC on its open-source strategy – welcomed the development.

"It is fantastic news to see this long-challenged implementation back on the right track. It seems the perceived roadblock [of whether or not an email system needed to be CESG accredited] has been cleared and I wish all those involved the best of luck," he said.