Principle 4: We adopt open standards that support sustainable cost
Statement
Decisions are based on the most economical solution for the public sector as a whole
and costs are sustainable.
Rationale
The Government has implemented IT spending controls to ensure that it spends
taxpayers’ money more carefully and avoids unnecessary investment.
Total cost of ownership calculations for software often consider the exit and migration
costs as part of the cost of the new solution, when in fact this may in part represent
the hidden cost of lock-in to an existing solution.
Greater standardisation enables sharing and reuse of IT solutions and components
across government organisations. It reduces complexity and the need for bespoke
integration between non-standardised solutions.
Value for money is achieved through avoidance of lock-in and providing a level
playing field for suppliers to compete for government IT contracts, coupled with
sustained competitive tension after the point of purchase.
Short-term financial savings based only on cost could risk longer-term lock-in and are
not necessarily the most cost-effective in terms of whole-life or when broader crossgovernment
working or re-use is considered.