Open Source Software (OSS)

With open source software, the source code is available to all interested parties. The Federal Administration is obliged to publish its software as open source. Strategic and practical guidelines and other tools are available to assist with implementation.

Open source means that the source code of a software application is published and can be viewed, used, improved and distributed by all interested parties. Open source does not mean that the data used and stored in the software is made public. Users retains full control over the application and can decide whether or not to adopt any custom changes made by third parties.

Legal basis

Following the introduction of the Federal Act on the Use of Electronic Means to Carry Out Official Tasks (EMOTA), the Federal Administration is now disclosing the source code of its software as open source. Article 9 EMOTA states that anyone should be able to use, improve and distribute the relevant software free of charge. The Federal Chancellery's Digital Transformation and ICT Steering Sector has created a set of tools to assist federal authorities and interested third parties.

Each federal authority is responsible for its implementation of the open source requirement, i.e. publishing the source code.

Strategic guidelines

The strategic guidelines set out the Federal Administration's main objectives and measures for working with Art. 9 EMOTA and open source software.

A distinction is made between consuming, contributing to and creating open source software. When consuming (i.e. using) existing software, open source software is handled the same as proprietary software, also with regard to procurement. For software creation, however, Article 9 EMOTA is applicable.

Each public authority is free to choose its own platform (repository) for publication. The practical guidelines in 'Em002-2 Instructions for publishing open source software' and the accompanying checklists describe the features required of the platform and how to use them.

Practical guidelines

The practical guidelines are intended to clarify the legal and strategic requirements. The document serves as instructions for users within the Federal Administration, including those without prior knowledge. It can therefore be read selectively as a reference guide. Depending on your level of knowledge, you can start working with the tools straight away. The guidelines also include definitions, an overview of the potential of OSS, the challenges involved, a practical overview of various constellations in working with OSS, as well as information on the choice of licences and on OSS procurement.

Further information

Contact

Federal Chancellery

Digital Transformation and ICT Steering DTI Sector

Monbijoustrasse 91
3003 Bern

Tel.
+41 58 463 46 64

info.dti@bk.admin.ch

Print contact

https://www.bk.admin.ch/content/bk/en/home/digitale-transformation-ikt-lenkung/bundesarchitektur/open_source_software.html