Comparing Open Source and Proprietary Enterprise Content Management Systems: Alfresco Compared to IBM Lotus Domino Document Manager Integrated with IBM Lotus WorkFlow

Abstract

This thesis is a part of the current discussions of open source versus proprietary software for Swedish authorities. A new governmental policy has been established for which the purpose is to spread the use of open source software and thereby save governmental funds and to increase quality. A case study has been conducted about an enterprise content management solution for the authority the Swedish Armed Forces. Enterprise content management is not a new product category but an integrated approach to handle all types of content. The solution is required in order for the authority to conform to current Swedish laws. Two candidate systems are compared against the requirements for the solution, were one is open source and the other is proprietary. The first research question addresses the argument of open source software lacking features. The result implies that open source software provides an equivalent set of features. The second, third and fourth research questions address implications for Swedish authorities of choosing an open source or a propriety system. The organizational implications are of democratic interest. Open source increases the organizational transparency by making source code public, which allows automated decisions to be examined. All citizens of Sweden are by law granted access to records that are not classified. Why should this not apply to the source code used by Swedish authorities as well? Another possible organizational implication could originate from an unexpected multi-national scenario. It could become disastrous if Swedish authorities are dependent on abroad organizations which could not provide critical support. Skills and know-how should be supplied within the country. The economic implications are profound. The Swedish authorities are currently purchasing solutions based on proprietary software from private companies. When the projects are finished, the companies are able to sell the same solutions again to other authorities for the same amount of money. Governmental funds could be much better spent if the authorities choose an open source solution and share the source code and experiences with each other.