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The UK Government has said it will accelerate the use of open source software in public services.

Tom Watson MP, minister for digital engagement, said open source software would be on a level playing field with proprietary software like Windows.

Open source software will be adopted "when it delivers best value for money", the government said.

It added that public services should where possible avoid being "locked into proprietary software".

Licenses for the use of open source software are generally free of charge and embrace open standards, and the code that powers the programs can be modified without fear of trampling on intellectual property or copyright.

Announcing an open source and open standards action plan, the government said it would:

* ensure that the Government adopts open standards and uses these to communicate with the citizens and businesses that have adopted open source solutions

* ensure that open source solutions are considered properly and, where they deliver best value for money are selected for Government business solutions

* strengthen the skills, experience and capabilities within Government and in its suppliers to use open source to greatest advantage

* embed an open source culture of sharing, re-use and collaborative development across Government and its suppliers

* ensure that systems integrators and proprietary software suppliers demonstrate the same flexibility and ability to re-use their solutions and products as is inherent in open source.

Government departments will be required to adopt open source software when "there is no significant overall cost difference between open and non-open source products" because of its "inherent flexibility".