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Free and Open- Source Government Software
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Adoption and transformation process
Terms definition
Key terms:
- Free and Open-Source Software (OSS): Software whose source code is accessible for public use, modification, and distribution without licensing fees.
- Source Code: The set of instructions and commands in a programming language constituting a computer program.
- Government License: A specific authorization issued by the Authority detailing the conditions under which government-owned software is licensed.
- Repository: A digital platform for the storage of government software.
- Government Software: Source code developed for and owned by government entities.
Benefits of free and open-source software
- Enhancing the Reusability of Software
- Facilitating Collaborative Efforts Among Government Agencies to Standardize Norms
- Increasing Transparency and Curtailing Monopolistic Practices
- Improving Integration Capabilities Across Diverse Software Sources
The main impact of adopting the Open-Source Software (OSS) strategy includes
- Cultivating a local Information Technology ecosystem that bolsters the digital economy.
- Enhancing local content through the facilitation of local enterprise creation and talent development in the IT sector.
- Increasing the efficiency of expenditures within the communications and information technology domain, optimizing resource allocation and utilization.
Milestones for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s journey in developing and implementing open-source government software
Saudi Arabia's engagement with open-source software illustrates a blueprint for digital transformation and technological innovation. Initiated in 2013 at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology via the "Motah" program, this journey saw broad cross-sector participation despite the challenges posed by limited local expertise and the dominance of global companies, which hold an 80% market share. Nevertheless, local startups have been pivotal in accelerating the adoption of open-source software. This narrative underscores a sequence of strategic actions undertaken in recent years to solidify the Kingdom's stance on open-source innovation.
- 2013: Launch of open-source software projects with diverse sector involvement.
- 2014 - 2017: Introduction of significant programs like the "Yesser Program" and "Masader," providing guidelines and best practices for open-source adoption.
- 2017: Government agencies enhanced their focus on open-source software to improve the IT ecosystem and spending efficiency.
- 2019: Accelerating digital transformation efforts, embracing emerging technologies and open-source solutions for various sectors.
- 2021-2023: Issuance of Cabinet Resolution No. (14) on 1/2/1443 AH to regulate free and open-source government software, creating a national committee, a government software repository, licensing processes, and the promotion of software standards and reuse.
This strategic approach reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to lead in digital innovation, emphasizing collaboration, efficiency, and open-source solutions.
The open-source software ecosystem in Saudi Arabia
Free and open-source government software strategy
Vision
Objectives
- Expand the network of technological enterprises
- Increase the number of technical societies
- Catalyze foreign investment
- Boost the creation of tech-related employment opportunities
- Nurture and develop domestic tech talent
- Enhance the efficiency of governmental expenditure on technology
- Facilitate the development of technological platforms
- Foster innovation within the tech sector
- Advocate for digital sustainability and resilience
Pillars of the Free and Open-Source Government Software Strategy
This pillar aims to foster technological leadership by generating demand for open-source software among government entities and ensuring its supply within the ecosystem, thereby altering the IT expenditure framework.
2. Transformation of IT Expenditure:
Focuses on optimizing spending by prioritizing investments in software, cloud computing services, and emerging technologies over traditional capital expenditures.
3. Cultivating a Streamlined Ecosystem “Blue Ocean” for Modern Technologies:
Aims to establish a robust infrastructure for technology and digital services, complemented by efforts to develop talent, and support the creation of local enterprises and associations, thus bolstering the Kingdom's digital economy.
Future Goals for Open-Source Software Adoption
The Kingdom's strategic objectives for its Free and Open-Source Software Strategy by 2026 include:
- Facilitating the creation of 20 open-source software companies specializing in advanced technologies, aiming for cumulative revenues of SAR 2.1 billion over five years.
- Encouraging 250 government entities to implement open-source software methodologies within a dedicated framework for free and open-source government software, over five years.
- Enhancing the expertise of 1,822 professionals in open-source software by 2026.
- Establishing over 8 open-source software communities and launching over 7 training and educational programs in open-source software.
Most prominent initiatives
- Fostering Leadership in Emerging Technologies:
- Revolutionizing IT Expenditure:
- Empowering the Modern Technology Ecosystem:
IT Spending
The intended audience for implementing OSS strategy
Key Products
- Government Software Repository:
- Services Offered by the Repository:
- Code Depository:
- View the source code:
- Government Software Licensing:
Repository Objectives
- Free and Open-Source Government Software License:
Statistical overview until 2023
- Number of free and open-source government software licenses issued: 201
- Government software deposited in the repository: 203
- Free and open-source software available for use: 200
- Users of the government software repository: 892
- Reusable government software: 73
- Number of times government products are reused: 118
Promising digital prospects
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