Andrew Turner pointed to this announcement by USAF Academy of a sole sourcing opt out of competitive tender for GI software here
This bit got my attention. “Software standardization between the 10th CES, DFEG, and the entire USAFA is extremely critical. Compatibility allows GIS data sharing between all agencies on the USAFA will continue to support GIS development in the future. Award of this contract to another contractor would jeopardize the performance of our mission by making all of the existing GIS data non-usable.”
And I thought ESRI were a platinum corporate super supporter of OGC and interoperability standards!
The contract is rated at up to $25m. Vendor lockin can be very profitable.
4 thoughts on “Has the US Air Force not heard of OGC?”
Not sure I agree with Thierry
There need be no migration hassle or cost if data is exposed through standards compliant interfaces.
Fear of migration is the lever a vendor uses to keep clients locked in.
Clients always pay a hefty premium over the life of a system for not maintaining a competitive sourcing option that keeps their supplier on his (or her) toes
The clever vendor wins by winning renewed business, the clever client wins by eliminating migration hassle and cost. Are we all a bit jealous?
but Interoperability Suite costs extra.
vendor lockin *is* very profitable