EDB invites wide-ranging collaboration on open source code for public sector archive solution

Oslo - EDB is planning to open access to the record management core of its EDB Case and Archive solution, which it will make available as open source code. At the same time, EDB is inviting Norwegian municipalities and county authorities to collaborate on a joint project for free software and open source code in the public sector.

EDB is the largest IT vendor for the Norwegian public sector, and currently provides IT services to several hundred public sector entities in both local government and the national public sector. EDB’s solution for case management and archiving has for some time been the most open solution available in this area for the public sector. The company is now taking a further step by facilitating joint collaboration on development through open access to the record management that forms the basis of its archive solution. EDB will also adapt the solution so that it satisfies the latest version of the Norwegian standard for record management in the public sector (NOARK 5). This will ensure the best possible basis for open collaboration on further development in this area.

“There are very clear signals that the public sector is looking for the highest degree of openness possible for IT. We take these signals very seriously, and we are now paving the way for wide-ranging collaboration and standardisation. We hope that by extending this invitation we will be able to build a strong foundation for future work on free software and open source code for public sector entities”, explains Espen Sjøvoll, Head of Citizen Dialogue Services at EDB.

Open source code will ensure innovation and development
EDB is actively committed to promoting the use of open source code. The launch of the Open Source Lab in Bergen, where EDB’s subsidiary Avenir has taken the initiative to collaborate with the Municipality of Bergen, DnB NOR, NextGentel and the University of Bergen, already represents a sound foundation for this work.

The Norwegian public sector currently spends more than NOK 300 million annually on standardised Case and Archive solutions, which are used by over 800 public sector entities. The availability of an archiving component with a standardised interface will offer customers greater similarity across different systems and suppliers. “We expect open source code to become increasingly important in the future, not just in technological terms, but also for its important role in facilitating development and innovation for solutions in areas that affect many users where it is important to be at the forefront,” says Espen Sjøvoll. Surveys carried out by the research firm Gartner show that by 2012 around 80% of all commercial software will include open source components.

Collaborative spirit will deliver better results
EDB is now issuing an open invitation to all Norwegian municipalities and other public sector entities to participate in the continuing development of the record management core. The company has already checked the level of interest with a number of its current collaboration partners, and the response has been very encouraging.

“Our impression is that this initiative is something that people have been hoping for, and they are interested in participating. The next step is to pave the way for future work by establishing a team of collaborators and a working forum. If we can attract sufficiently strong interest, EDB’s contribution will include providing open access to major parts of the existing solution as well as offering our extensive technical expertise in this area and our in-depth knowledge of the legislation and regulations involved”, explains Espen Sjøvoll.

About EDB
EDB Business Partner is one of the leading IT groups in the Nordic region. The company offers solutions for the full range of business-critical IT services. EDB aims to be a close and attentive partner that leverages its deep industry knowledge and international capabilities to help its customers realise the full potential of IT. The company has local presence in 13 countries, 6,200 employees and an annual turnover of around NOK 8 billion. EDB Business Partner is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. www.edb.com