The Volt faction Welcomes the Coalition’s Joint Motion to Prefer Open Source Software in the Future
Open source software refers to software whose source code is publicly accessible and whose license does not restrict its use, distribution, and modification. The use of open source software offers various advantages. An increasing number of German cities, such as Dortmund or Munich, are relying on the use of open source applications.
The Volt faction in Frankfurt expressly welcomes that, based on a new motion submitted by the coalition, open source software should be the preferred choice in Frankfurt in the future, provided that it is sufficiently suitable and meets financial possibilities and security requirements.
Johannes Hauenschild, digital policy spokesman for the the Volt faction in Frankfurt, commented on the coalition’s motion: “Open source software reduces dependencies on individual manufacturers and achieves cost savings through eliminated or reduced license fees. I am very pleased that we will now increasingly rely on the benefits of open source software in Frankfurt as well. Through this, we enhance the digital flexibility, security, and sovereignty of our city.”
Furthermore, the motion includes that, under certain conditions, developments that are new or funded with city funds based on open source projects should also be made available to the public. In addition, the coalition calls on the city government in the motion to examine in what appropriate form it can be made publicly accessible to see which software is used by the City of Frankfurt in the various departments and municipal enterprises. “This strengthens the transparency of the city administration and Frankfurt’s IT,” emphasizes Johannes Hauenschild.
