Free, Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS)1 represents a new and growing phenomenon, which is much discussed these days as it implies a radically new method of production, cooperation and exchange. In this introduction we argue that Open Source Software (OSS) besides its technical advantages has a special importance in the context of development cooperation.

The philosophy behind OSS
The knowledge that is embedded in operating systems and software programmes to make them run, also known as the source code, can be either ‘closed’ and ‘proprietary’, or ‘open’, that is public and shared. FLOSS is a software which has its source code available, that may be used, copied, and distributed with or without modifications, and that may be offered either with or without a fee.

Although the open source movement goes back to almost forty years, OSS has become a mainstream-topic only recently. Worldwide, more and more organisations and governments are using open source. This ongoing adoption can be attributed to two reasons, namely, the maturing of some key open source products like GNU/Linux and office production software (Open Office) and the increased resistance to the effective monopoly of Microsoft in the worldwide software market. The (still dominant) closed format of software seems to suit corporate interests well, but at the same time it appears to be increasingly at odds with the current shift from ‘tangible’ (concrete products and services), towards ‘intangible’‚ (i.e. knowledge-based) production. The efforts to ‘proprietarise’ it has resulted in severe legal and political conflicts around the disputed concept of ‘intellectual property rights’.

OSS by putting knowledge (the source code) in the public domain‚ offers much more opportunities for sharing and co-operation between all players in the field, reduces dependencies, hinders the rise of monopolists, and fosters healthy competition. Contrary to widespread beliefs, OSS is not adverse to commerce and business as open source based products and services can be sold by anyone.

In the field of development, ‘good governance’ and ‘local ownership’ have become important criteria for allocating resources. In contrast to proprietary software, key elements of these can be found in the FLOSS approach to software development, distribution and implementation: The principles of transparency and participation for example are embodied within FLOSS. This means that FLOSS provides tools that are in line with the goals and intentions of development cooperation projects.

OSS and development cooperation

• The most significant advantage is the right to view and modify the source code according to individual or regional needs. In the context of development cooperation this means that applications can be adapted to country specific circumstances regardless of the fact if this is profitable for a vendor or not.
• As OSS applications are not the property of a single entity, using them makes the user less dependent. This is especially important in the South where organisations running on subsidised or pirated software face the risk of becoming dependent on essential infrastructure they cannot sustain. Additionally OSS does ensure that specialised knowledge that was generated with public resources is not kept as a protected secret of the North. The use of OSS implies a willingness to share knowledge between North and South.
• While it is disputed if OSS is less expensive to run than proprietary software, it is undisputed that the acquisition costs are lower (some studies claim higher administration and training costs). In the context of development cooperation this means that little or no money need to be spent for goods imported from the North while local personnel in the South can carry out training and maintenance tasks. Additionally OSS solutions can be at the base of local distribution and support networks that can create autonomous economic activity in the South.

Open Source Software also has some weaknesses. The focus of most FLOSS-products is more on the technical user, which can be a hindrance for the inexperienced users. Furthermore, due to the fact that not many people are using OSS, there might be a lack of training opportunities and support, although this is being compensated by an extensive amount of Open Source Software-support on the Internet.

In the context of international cooperation and development, Open Source Software has a very promising approach, because it is far more conducive to its stated goals of non-dependent development, fostering of local knowledge, diversity and sustainability.

1 ‘Free, Libre and Open Source Software’ and ‘FLOSS’, as well as ‘Open Source Software’ and ‘OSS’ are all used in this document and are interchangeable. FLOSS is more correct, OSS more commonly used. This article is taken from the manifesto produced during a workshop on the role of OSS in the development cooperation organized by Waag Society and Hivos, 2-4 June 2003 in Amsterdam.