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Mr. Fried,<BR>
<BR>
The Open Source Initiative (OSI) <<A HREF="http://opensource.org/">http://opensource.org/</A>> was recently forwarded your draft document, "Study on Open Source Voting Systems" <<A HREF="http://www.sfbos.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=52577">http://www.sfbos.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=52577</A>>. We are very excited to see the interest in open source software to serve the public through voting systems in elections. We applaud you for your efforts and would be very happy to assist you and San Francisco's Local Agency Formation Commission if needed. The OSI has a long history of working with governments, agencies, corporations, education and open source projects to raise awareness and adoption of open source software and development in both the public and private sectors.<BR>
<BR>
Upon review of the report, we would like to propose two changes:<BR>
<BR>
1. Page one provides definitions including, "Open source: A term signifying the source code would be publicly available." This is an incomplete definition, the "Open Source Definition" can be found here: <A HREF="http://opensource.org/osd ">http://opensource.org/osd </A> It would be better to simply state, "Open source software: A term used to describe software carrying an OSI Approved Open Source License." You may also want to include in the document a link to the OSI's list of approved licenses <<A HREF="http://opensource.org/licenses">http://opensource.org/licenses</A>>. This definition would ensure that all of the attributes of the Open Source Definition, not just access to the source code, are included in the definition. For example, access to code alone does not mean that the code can be modified, or that those modifications may be redistributed. By including a reference to the OSI's approved licenses, you will also help all those involved in reviewing potential software for use in voting systems can easily and consistently identify appropriate software that is internationally recognized as aligning with the Open Source Definition, ensuring the software freedom you seek: the permission to use, review, revise, and redistribute. <BR>
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2. Page eight states, "Open source software is classified as a GPL; hence all improved versions of the original software must remain free, disallowing proprietary companies to adopt the software, make changes, and sell it on their own terms." Limiting the definition of open source to only software distributed with the GPL is incorrect. As stated above, open source software is internationally recognized as software distributed with any OSI Approved Open Source License, and includes permissive licenses <<A HREF="http://opensource.org/faq#permissive">http://opensource.org/faq#permissive</A>>. Narrowly defining open source as only software carrying a GPL or copyleft license does not reflect the open source software movement.<BR>
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I would be pleased to provide you with any more information you may need or answer any questions. Again, the OSI is thrilled to learn of your work and we truly wish to help in any way we can to support the adoption of open source software in voting systems and capitalize on the benefits of open source development and communities.<BR>
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Thank you for your consideration,<BR>
Patrick Masson
<BR>
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Patrick Masson<BR>
General Manager & Director<BR>
Open Source Initiative<BR>
855 El Camino Real, Ste 13A, #270<BR>
Palo Alto, CA 94301<BR>
United States<BR>
OSI Phone: <A HREF="tel:%28415%29%20857-5398">(415) 857-5398</A><BR>
Direct Phone: (970) 4MASSON<BR>
Skype: massonpj<BR>
Em: <A HREF="mailto:masson@opensource.org">masson@opensource.org</A><BR>
Ws: <A HREF="http://www.opensource.org/">www.opensource.org</A>
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