Open source riles software makers

A decision by the state of Massachusetts to shift to open-computing standards and consider open-source software as part of that strategy has many
software companies concerned about their future business with the state.

While open standards are on their way to becoming part of a mainstream government technology, the mere mention that a state would use open-source
software has the industry in an uproar.

Massachusetts will focus initially on open standards to increase interoperability of systems, upgrade legacy systems and cut costs before considering
open-source software or systems, said Eric Kriss, Massachusetts’ administration and finance secretary.