Implementing a Successful Open Source Solution in Education (Strategy Focus)

Table of Contents

• DATAMONITOR VIEW
  • CATALYST
  • SUMMARY
• ANALYSIS
  • Institutions need to evaluate open source on multiple levels prior to its implementation
    • Institutions should carefully consider the benefits of an OSS
    • Open source is a risky option - Institutions should not take the decision of implementing an OSS lightly
    • Certain applications and types of institution are more suited to open source than others
      • Operating systems - above all other applications - are likely to provide the most value for K12 institutions
      • Open source LMS will fit well with institutions wishing to have increased control
      • Institutions entering into an ERP OSS should proceed with caution
  • Education institutions should ensure their solutions can be integrated
    • Real value from open source can be achieved by ensuring it functions with other solutions
    • Institutions should look towards vendors to see how they are enabling interoperability
  • Using an external company with an OSS can simplify issues for institutions
    • Institutions should mitigate risk as much as possible when implementing an OSS
    • Many institutions will find they have insufficient in-house experience to maintain an OSS
• ACTIONS
  • Systems integrators should not attempt to recommend open source for all institutions
  • There are opportunities for vendors to maximize on institutions implementing open source
  • Proprietary vendors can bring some of the benefits of open source through their solutions
• APPENDIX
  • Definitions
  • Methodology
  • Further reading
  • Ask the analyst
  • Datamonitor consulting
  • Disclaimer
  • List of Figures
    • Figure 1: Evaluating the merits of different types of software
    • Figure 2: Open source is most dominant in student facing products
    • Figure 3: The LMS market for open source is showing strong growth
    • Figure 4: Opportunities exist for vendors to help education institutions implement open source solutions