The Case for Government Promotion of Open Source Software

Mitch Stoltz, Computer Science and Public Policy Analysis major at Pomona College

5/08/2008
(Original Publish Date: 6/1/1999)

An alternative method of software development, called open source software, creates robust, secure software through a process of widespread peer review. This paper explains the open source concept and attempts to show how government can use open source as a vehicle for promoting economic development and as a policy tool which could assist the Justice Department in its antitrust action against Microsoft.