The news that the city of Munich is contributing upstream are good, really good, news.
They mean two important things for open source software, and both can't be understated. To begin with, it comes to show that open source software can be successfully deployed even in places as important and complex and city governments.
The argument that open source software can't compete with proprietary software has been rendered muted, and in such a way that its hard to dispute. There are a few other places where software could effectiveness could be tested more throughly than a government, even if it is at a city level.
Secondly, it comes to show that contribute upstream is not something that just a few can do. The only requirement is to have an IT department that has the technical knowhow to implement the changes needed to the needs of the particular entity to then share does changes upstream. When there is that aspect, then it makes it more of a matter of will to contribute back.
Most importantly, Munich now stands as an example that implementing open source software is something not only something other governments and private companies can at least successfully implement. Yet, it show that other can contribute for the greater good, and the interest of the public at large.
Let's hope that Munich lead the way to others to follow.
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