Re: [libreplanet-discuss] libre software for Berkeley, CA?

[Nico Rikken]

Hi Thomas,

> I have no insights in endorsing free software to mid-sized US city 
> officials, however I have tried convincing IT and non-IT managers in 
> Dutch primary education, to favor free software over proprietary 
> solutions.

Like Kees I've also been trying to get more FOSS adoption in The 
Netherlands.
Just like Munich, adoption is very much dependent on personal 
preference of the (local) government, or of the appointed CIO.
Also, having spoken with political parties, they remember that FOSS was 
a hot issue in the 2000's in The Netherlands, but as it isn't so hot of 
a topic any longer, they do not act on it.

I managed to convince a couple of parties to take on additional 
requirements when some software discussion was on the table. In this 
case some subproject website. That was low hanging fruit for both the 
political party, and the web developer. It was something like "served 
website should be based on open standards" and "website should have 
good accessibility features" (both required by law in The Netherlands, 
but regardless they were mentioned), and "open source software for 
hosting the website". I haven't taken the time to review the actual 
results, so certainly plan for some follow-up.

Some other interesting information:
- EPFSUG http://epfsug.eu/ intending to bring Free Software into the 
European Parliament. They also have a mailing list.
- Lennart Huizing is working with https://oseno.nl/ to get more Free 
Software in the Dutch governement 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goPK9vi4e6w

Kind regards and best of luck with your effort,
Nico Rikken
FSFE Team NL