Approach C: Using Open Source Software

Module 1	Introduction	Unit 1 IIS Sustainability Toolkit Introduction
Module 2	Getting Started	Unit 1 How to Use this Toolkit
Module 3	Defining IIS Sustainability	Unit 1 What is IIS Sustainability and Why Does it Matter?
Module 4	Strategy 1: Diversifying Funding	Unit 1 Diversifying Funding Introduction	Unit 2 Approach A. Leveraging Medicaid Match	Unit 3 Approach B. Billing for IIS Data
Module 5	Strategy 2: Optimizing IIS Efficiency	Unit 1 Optimizing IIS Efficiency Introduction	Unit 2 Approach A. Increasing the Use of Shared Services	Unit 3 Approach B: Leveraging Shared Infrastructure	Unit 4 Approach C: Using Open Source Software	Unit 5 Approach D. Implementing Process Automation	Unit 6 Approach E: Modernizing IIS
Module 6	Success Stories from the Field	Unit 1 Success Stories Introduction	Unit 2 Using Medicaid Match to Diversify IIS Funding	Unit 3 Diversifying IIS Funding Through Health Plan Billing	Unit 4 Slowing the Curve to Manage Rising IIS Costs
Module 7	Additional Considerations	Unit 1 Additional Considerations
Module 8	Additional Resources Related to Sustainability	Unit 1 Additional Resources
Module 9	References	Unit 1 References
Module 10	Abbreviations and Acronyms	Unit 1 Abbreviations and Acronyms

What is open source software?

Open source software is publicly available code that can be used, modified, and shared without licensing fees. Open source solutions are widely used in public health, including IIS, and can support functions such as:

Relational databases, i.e., PostgreSQL
Operating systems, i.e., Linux
Immunization forecasting engines, (e.g., the Immunization Calculation Engine (ICE))
Data validation and deduplication tools, (e.g., ChoiceMaker patient matching)
Interoperability solutions (e.g., FHIR-based APIs)
Analytics and dashboard platforms

How can using open source software optimize IIS efficiency?

Open source software can optimize efficiency by reducing reliance on proprietary vendors and allowing jurisdictions to collaborate on system improvements. Use of open source software such as ICE may not be entirely free, however. Costs associated with staffing and vendor support may arise. However, these costs may be far lower than support of a commercial immunization forecaster.

Some jurisdictions have substantially reduced IIS costs by using open source software such as ICE and other software systems, services, and infrastructure. For example, one large jurisdiction realized significant savings by migrating its IIS off of Oracle to PostgreSQL, an open source relational database.

How can using open source software promote IIS sustainability?

Using open source software promotes IIS sustainability by reducing reliance on costly proprietary vendors and lowering long-term licensing and maintenance expenses. In addition to cost savings, open source solutions provide greater flexibility, allowing jurisdictions to adapt systems to meet evolving needs without being constrained by vendor timelines or contracts. They also enable collaboration across jurisdictions and partners, supporting shared development and continuous improvement while reducing duplication of effort. While some open source tools may still require support for maintenance and updates, these costs are often lower than commercial alternatives. Together, these benefits help create more adaptable, cost-effective systems that can be sustained and enhanced over time with limited resources.

Additional resource related to using open source software

Open Source for Immunization Information Systems. Slides from the AIRA National Meeting on August 13, 2019