Open Standards Board to drive government's low-cost IT plan

Newly appointed board to ensure government's plans to level the playing field for all suppliers are enforced

The government has appointed its first Open Standards Board (OSB) in a move it claims will aid its plans to procure lower-cost IT from a broader range of suppliers.

The OBS, which consists of a group of 10 experts (listed below) from the government, wider public sector and IT industry, will be charged with ensuring the government's open standards meet the needs of users and suppliers of both proprietary and open-source software.

Last November, the government's decision to make the use of open standards compulsory was hailed a success by open-source providers who welcomed the move.

The OBS will look to implement the changes planned by the government.

Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said the OBS' role is important to its overall strategy in the area. He added that the government expects to have saved more than £400m in 2012/13 by implementing open standards principles, and believes it can save even more in the years ahead.

"The OBS has a key role to play in establishing the open standards that should be used when the government buys its IT, so that we can make sure that we choose what best meets our users' needs," he said.

"With interoperable systems based on open standards, we can build in flexibility and cut costs by avoiding lock-in to suppliers or products, achieve a truly level playing field for a diverse range of suppliers, and provide better services for taxpayers."

"Open standards are at the heart of making government IT cheaper, more flexible, more connected and attuned to providing user-focused public services."

• Liam Maxwell, Government Digital Service
• John Atherton, Surevine
• Matthew Dovey, Joint Information Systems Committee
• Adam Cooper, Bolton University
• Paul Downey, Government Digital Service
• Jeni Tennison, Open Data Institute
• Lee Edwards, London Borough of Redbridge
• Tim Kelsey, NHS Commissioning Board
• John Sheridan, The National Archives
• Chris Ulliott, CESG