Open Source in Health IT: Not a Done Deal, But At Least a Chance to Make a Case
by Kristin Shoemaker - Apr. 21, 2009Comments (0)- Related Blog Posts
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Though the use of open source software in federal health care programs is being considered far more seriously than it has been in the past, ZDNet's Dana Blankenhorn reminds us that landing a government contract requires more than the sympathetic ears of legislators and administrators.
So far, Blankenhorn explains, Obama has committed to creating interoperability between health records kept by the military and Veterans Administration, but not to a completely open (in terms of code, or standards) health information technology platform. The Obama Administration seems willing to investigate open source solutions, but government contracting procedures could be a major roadblock to adopting an open platform. The open alternatives could be out-lawyered, out-lobbied, and minimized by an army of salesmen.
But open source solutions do have a voice, more now than ever before, in the US government. That's a significant opportunity -- and Blankenhorn's words beautifully illustrate why open source is vital in this sector. He states, "What we need are policy statements favoring a 'build' process over a 'buy' process, and demanding open standards..." Open source platforms can be uniquely our own -- even when those who represent us (and oversee our programs) change on a regular basis. They are long term, stable, self-sufficient solutions. Open source solutions can stand on their own merits. The trick, now that open source advocates have the floor, is to show these strengths to as many policymakers as possible.
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