The agency isn't turning its back on open-source software. It plans to retain its Linux firewall and the Linux servers it uses for some of its database applications. Some other jurisdictions are also exploring open-source software, Stirling said.
Asked if he would recommend open-source software to other organizations, Stirling said: "At the time, the move to StarOffice and open-source did suit us, and they played their part. It's purely about business benefits. An organization would need to take stock of what they have and their interaction with partner agencies. It's a decision that has to be made purely case by case."
The agency's decision is something of an embarrassment for Sun, which played up the deal with Central Scotland Police as a StarOffice success story. It devoted a Web page to it at http://uk.sun.com/sunnews/success/public_sector/102.html
Sun representatives in the U.K. did not return a call for comment.
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