OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 15, 2009) – The state of Oklahoma could potentially save millions of dollars annually by utilizing open source technology in lieu of purchasing expensive software licenses, House members were told at an interim study today.

Representatives Jason Murphey and David Derby convened an interim study today designed to explore possibilities for a new round of cost-saving modernization legislation set to be introduced next legislative session.

The study was requested following the successful passage of House Bill 1170, which created a state cabinet level position of Chief Information Officer (CIO) and mandated millions of dollars of savings through the consolidation of the state`s information technology infrastructure.

A key component of HB 1170 requires the new CIO to consider open source technology options.

"It is our moral imperative as Legislators to make sure state government takes advantage of the new and rapidly changing capabilities afforded by technology processes in order to realize savings for the people of Oklahoma,” said Murphey, R-Guthrie, chairman of the House Government Modernization Committee. “We must build a statutory system which allows for the use of these technologies as quickly as possible.”

The interim study allowed members of the committee to hear testimony from leading technology providers Microsoft and Google and from state agencies who have successfully employed low cost technology strategies.

"This study provides the opportunity to follow up on the progress made by House Bill 1170 by exploring the ideas for the next generation of cost-saving technology legislation," said Derby, R-Owasso, vice-chairman of the Modernization Committee.

House Speaker Chris Benge said modernizing and streamlining government will remain a priority for House Republicans this upcoming legislative session.

“In light of our state`s economic picture, it is more important than ever to make sure we are optimizing our use of technology to make government services more user-friendly, all while saving the state money,” said Benge, R-Tulsa.

Stuart McKee, the national technology officer for Microsoft, Corp. and the former chief information officer for the state of Washington, praised the committee for exploring innovative ways to utilize emerging technologies in state government. Often, he said local and state governments are the most creative when it comes to technology applications.

He told committee members that as they consider technology acquisitions, it is imperative that all platforms are considered based on each agency`s use and individual needs.

“The point of this study is to explore all of our options and see where open source technology may be applicable within state government,” said Murphey.

The state Employees Benefits Council presented their online options offered to state employees, which help to simplify benefits management among various state agencies. The online offerings were all created in-house at the EBC, which saved the council millions of dollars and also allowed for customization to Oklahoma laws and regulations from the outset.

State employees can access all of their benefits information online, and online enrollment has gone from 13 percent in 2003 to 73 percent in 2008. It is expected that 79 percent of state employees will use the online enrollment option this year.

Officials with Oklahoma State University Fire Training program said the open source software they use to manage their online training offerings costs less, is more flexible, is fully customizable, can be used with existing hardware and is more secure for the agency and the users.

One of the best features of open source software is if agency funding fluctuates, the system can continue to function without required system upgrades or new hardware.

The chief information officer for the state Department of Commerce, Mike Widell, called open source technology an evolution, not a revolution, adding that different technologies are needed for varying functions within the agency.

The department`s web site was created with open source technology in part to allow for maximum department flexibility, he said. The use of open source software also saved the department money in both start-up costs and also ongoing maintenance.

But, some software like Windows is still used and needed because of employee familiarity and the wide-variety of applications across varying technologies, from computers to lap tops to phones, he said.

“We look for the best tool at the best value,” said Widell.

The committee also heard from Google`s Open Source and Public Sector Program Manager Chris DiBona, who said his company offers many open source applications for use by local and state governments.

One reason government should consider open source technology is because of the wealth of information already available and the ability to create exactly what an agency requires for their unique needs.

Also, open source technology allows agencies to try something new without expending a lot of upfront dollars, he said.