The Open Forum Europe:

Is a European consortium initially in Ireland, Denmark and the UK that is focussed on providing businesses and governments information and services delivered via local portals that will assist them in implementing OSS solutions that will:

• Kick-start the implementation of Open Source software.

• Ease the steep learning curve that some new users find.

• Avoid duplication.

• Generate cost savings for years to come.

• provide resources and evidence of the benefits to help build stronger business cases for Open Source software migration within local authorities by:

• Increasing knowledge of Open Source software and developing skills amongst IT professionals.

• Provide specialist advice and guidance to local authorities, whilst encouraging them to share best practice, experience and software developments.

• Increase the number of Open Source software developers and products specific to local government.

• Ease decision making of those adopting new systems and improve understanding of security benefits.

• Provide detailed case studies highlighting long-term success stories and opportunities to use Open Source software alongside proprietary software.