Analysis by OFE has indicated that due to lock-in to proprietary solutions up to 90% of public sector organisations no longer have the freedom to choose ICT solutions on the basis of competitiveness, functionality or price. This is not only limiting their strategic direction and opportunity for technological innovation, but also the effectiveness of their delivered service to users and the the public. Much of this lock-in is not visible and inadvertent and results from 'hidden' lock-in caused from application purchases.

Certified Open® programme enables ICT managers and procurement officers to:

• Ensure that procurement decisions take open standards and the potential for lock-in into account when procurement decisions are made.

• Ensure that ICT managers can manage the skills of their staff and provide a lifelong learning environment as the basis for professionalism.

• Allows effective choice of partners when outsourcing support, integration or services.

• Encourages use and participation in shared development software projects, particularly those involving other national or pan European public sector partners