We, at the London School of Economics and Political Science, are involved in a study that will provide an independent evaluation of the possible savings to Government through the targeted use of free/open source software (FOSS), differentiating between short, medium, and long term savings. OpenForum Europe approached the LSE researchers to undertake this study focusing on the total cost of ownership and acquisition of FOSS. The prime rationale for such a study is that FOSS financial benefits are commonly claimed, but that independent evidence is only available by exception, and may be wrapped in supplier generated reference studies. This study is jointly funded by the UK Government, and the OFE.

The survey for the total cost of ownership study can be found below. Please do take out 10 minutes to fill it in for us.