Brussels, 26/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 25 June, the European Commission presented a new policy to help public authorities not to depend on just one information and communication technology (ICT) supplier. This new “against lock-in” approach could save the public sector over €1.1 billion per year - thanks, in particular, to new call for tender procedures, which are likely to attract an increased number of bidders. “Open standards create competition, lead to innovation, and save money. The guide issued today is here to help national authorities grab every opportunity for innovation and efficiency”, said European Commissioner for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes.
Making use of standards - and not a brand, tool, system or specific product - when purchasing ICT systems saves the taxpayer money. However, a number of organisations do not have enough expertise to know which standards to choose for their ICT needs or they fear that a change would be too costly and lead to the loss of data. They therefore remain locked into their current systems or continue to deal with just one supplier. Greater use of standards also facilitates the exchange of data between public systems and enables citizens to provide their data to a public administration once only. This practice also facilitates the cross-border supply of online administrative services that are needed by people and businesses who want to travel, work, study or do business in the EU. The Commission's communication is addressed to officials responsible for planning and purchasing ICT services and systems for public bodies. It is intended to help them develop an overarching strategy, assess existing standards in a transparent environment, and choose the standards that are best adapted to their strategy. The Commission proposes that these officials adopt solutions based on standards thanks to long-term planning, so as to compensate for the costs of replacement and offer officials responsible for tenders practical advice on applying the new initiative. (IL/transl.fl)