Building Doc: The Open-Source Rival
I still remember the first time I heard about the State's plan to develop Doc, an open-source alternative to Google Docs. As a developer involved in the project, the challenge was clear: build something robust enough to compete with industry giants, yet flexible enough to meet government needs. The stakes were high, and the potential impact even higher. The State has heavily invested in IT projects, spending millions on external solutions that often don't quite fit. This time, we're shifting gears—moving from relying on external consultants to building in-house. Let's dive into how we're making this transition work.
I still remember when the idea of Doc was first floated. The State wanted an open-source alternative to Google Docs. As a developer on this project, it was a monumental challenge: build a platform robust enough to stand against giants like Google, yet flexible enough to meet the government's specific needs. Picture this—millions of euros spent each year on tools that don't quite fit the bill. That's when I realized we had a golden opportunity to do something different, to shift from relying on external solutions to true digital autonomy. So, how did we do it? By orchestrating a dedicated team that knows what it wants. First, we had to understand the real needs of the end-users (the State agents, not just the decision-makers). Then, we bet on open-source for its flexibility and transparency. But watch out, it wasn't without hurdles. Working with open code also means navigating a sea of technical choices and trade-offs. Yet, that's exactly what makes this project so exciting.
Why Build Doc? The Case for Open-Source
Let's start with the obvious: the French State has spent 300 million euros on proprietary software that doesn't always deliver. So, why not shift to open-source? It cuts costs by eliminating expensive licenses, and you gain flexibility and customization that meets specific government needs. Open-source allows precise tailoring to requirements, which is a significant asset.
By developing internally, we reduce dependency on external vendors, gaining better control over our technology. Don't forget the security aspect: open-source solutions tend to be safer due to community-driven development. We benefit from the innovations of an entire community, which is a real plus. I've seen this transform projects completely.
Setting Up for Success: The Transition to Internal Development
Shifting from reliance on external vendors to internal development is all about control. Sure, there's an upfront investment in building an internal team, but in the long run, it's worth it. Initially, there was resistance—change is hard, especially in government settings.
The key is to start with pilot projects, learn, adapt, and gradually scale. It's an iterative approach, and believe me, it works. We've relied on small wins to convince the skeptics, and it paid off.
Challenges in Government IT Projects
Government IT projects often suffer from scope creep and misaligned objectives. Take the 253 million spent on a police complaint system as an example. That money could have been better allocated. Internal development allows us to directly address these inefficiencies.
However, watch out for bureaucratic hurdles. They can slow progress if not carefully managed. Navigating through different administrative layers is key to keeping the focus on initial goals.
The Workflow: Building Doc from the Ground Up
First, we assessed the core functionalities needed: collaboration, security, scalability. I wrapped our APIs in secure services to ensure data protection. Orchestration is key—we integrate with existing systems without disrupting them.
Testing and iteration are continuous. User feedback loops are invaluable for refining the product. At every step, I make sure nothing is left to chance.
Benefits of Open-Source for Government Use
Cost efficiency is a major win: no licensing fees, more budget for enhancements. Open-source fosters a collaborative culture both internally and with the public. The transparency of open-source aligns with public sector values.
But be cautious of over-customization; it can lead to maintenance challenges down the line. I've found that maintaining balance is crucial to avoiding future complications.
Building Doc as an open-source solution is more than just a technical project—it's a strategic shift towards sustainable, efficient government IT. We're not just saving costs; we're redefining how public sector software can be developed and used.
- First, the massive 300 million euros spent on proprietary software highlights that open source isn't just an option, it's an economic necessity.
- Then, by internalizing development, we unlock the potential of internal developers and move away from costly external consultants.
- But watch out, the challenges with existing State IT projects, like the 253 million spent on managing complaints, remind us that transitions must be well managed.
The real opportunity here is to turn these challenges into innovation levers. If you're involved in government IT or considering a shift to open-source, now's the time to take action. Join the conversation, share your experiences. Watch the original video for deeper insights: YouTube link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thibault Le Balier
Co-fondateur & CTO
Coming from the tech startup ecosystem, Thibault has developed expertise in AI solution architecture that he now puts at the service of large companies (Atos, BNP Paribas, beta.gouv). He works on two axes: mastering AI deployments (local LLMs, MCP security) and optimizing inference costs (offloading, compression, token management).
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