FYI:

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: FW: [FTF-Legal] European legal workshop - notes Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2007 11:37:27 +0200 From: Eva Visser Eva.Visser@Stibbe.com To: coughlan@fsfeurope.org

Hi Shane,

In connection with the discussion about the procurement of free software, I wondered whether it would be possible to introduce my colleague Christian van Seeters to the FTF so he can also participate in this discussion. He is a lawyer in the field of ICT and procurement (http://www.stibbe.nl/stibbe/person.do?UID=19360e20fcbbb7e303042b3) and we are currently advising the Dutch government on the procurement of free software.

In this context please find attached a report on the Dutch OSOSS project (see also: http://ec.europa.eu/idabc/en/document/7218). The programme OSOSS informs and advises the Dutch public sector about the possibilities of open source software and stimulates the use of open source software in their information systems (http://www.ososs.nl/about_ososs). The report also refers to the manual we are currently working on (see quote below).

"Procurement: levelling the playing field

An important step in getting public administrations to use FLOSS is to help them to adapt their procurement processes, so that companies offering FLOSS compete on a level playing field with proprietary vendors. According to Broukema, the problem is that administrations are often locked into proprietary standards, preventing them from moving to FLOSS solutions.

Another big issues is that public sector bodies who are looking for offers need to learn how to structure their calls for tender in order to give equal opportunities to FLOSS. Later this year, OSOSS will publish a manual for public sector procurement. This will not be aimed at lawyers, but at buyers in the public sector, providing a practical guideline.

Together with a number of municipalities, OSOSS in January 2007 published an "Open Government Manifesto" (pdf), demanding from their suppliers vendor independence, transparency, interoperability and digital durability. The manifesto came out of the municipalities' own initiative. It has so far been signed by 12 municipalities, representing 3 mio inhabitants."

Kind regards,

Eva Visser

Mr. Eva N.M. Visser, advocaat

T +31 20 546 02 82 (direct line) or +31 20 546 04 24 (assistant)

F +31 20 546 08 11

eva.visser@stibbe.com