MPs suggests legalizing use of open-source software by state agencies
MPs suggests legalizing use of open-source software by state agencies11:25
A group of deputies of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has proposed to legalize the use of open-source software by state agencies.
A relevant bill No. 9745 amending the law on the national informatization program regarding use of open-source software by state agencies was registered in parliament on January 23, 2012.
According to the bill, state agencies should give priority to the use of open-source software, which is available on the IT market or that is free, if it is of equal functionality regardless of the sphere of use. Such software also has to be more beneficial than paid-for software in terms of its price-functionality correlation.
In addition, the bill suggests that software users in state agencies and enterprises apply open technical standards.
The document also sets out the rules for using software in state and municipal education establishments. In particular, the education establishments must use in the education process technical standards "and software that in no way requires additional payment by students." At the same time, education establishments may use closed-source software for research activities.