Advantages of FLOSS for Government and Public AgenciesIndependence from SuppliersFulfillment of Specific RequirementsAdoption of Open StandardsPublic ScrutinyLong-Term AvailabilityImpact in the Society at LargeImpact on Local IndustryStaff EmpowermentBest Practices: ManagementConsider All the Factors, Both Technical and ContextualBe Sure of Management’s Commitment to the TransitionPrepare a Clear View of What’s Expected, Including Measurable
BenchmarksMake Sure the Timetable Is RealisticReview the Current Software/IT Procurement and Development
ProcedureSeek Out Advice or Search for Information on Similar
TransitionsAvoid “Big Switch” Transition, and Favor Incremental
MigrationsPromote Collaboration and Pooling of ResourcesBest Practices: TechnicalUnderstand the Way FLOSS Is DevelopedSurvey the Agency’s Software, Hardware, and Required
FunctionalityUse the Flexibility of FLOSS to Create Local AdaptationsMuch More Software Is Available Than What Is Installed by
DefaultAlways Favor Stability over FunctionalityDesign the Workflow Support Infrastructure to Reduce “Impedance
Mismatches”Introduce a Trouble Ticket SystemCompile and Update a Detailed Migration WorkbookBest Practices: SocialProvide Training and Communication About the FLOSS ModelDon’t Force the Change on Users; Provide Explanations
InsteadUse the Migration As an Opportunity to Improve Users’
SkillsMake It Easy to Experiment and LearnEstablish Meeting Points and RepositoriesConclusionReferencesAbout the Authors