"Open source has already saved the federal government a substantial amount of money and can provide an opportunity to save millions more," said Whitehurst, who also endorsed Open Document Format.

"We believe that the Obama Administration has an unprecedented opportunity to use open source to spark innovation and positive change. It won't happen overnight, but all levels of government can make it happen if they work collaboratively and follow Obama's rallying cry, 'Yes, we can,' " Whitehurst said.