In 1983, Richard Stallman, a programmer from MIT, proposed an innovative concept: software that could be freely distributed and customized without any difficulty. This led to him drafting the GNU Public License.
Since then, “open source” has meant something very different. It’s no longer just a concept; it’s a worldwide phenomenon at this point.
The increasing availability of free and open-source software, such as Linux, Mozilla Firefox, PHP, WordPress, OpenOffice and Python, is creating a significant shift in the technology landscape.
What exactly is open source software?
Open-source software has long been a type of software development that relies on crowdsourcing. The fundamental concept is that anyone can make modifications and contributions to the code base. In comparison, proprietary software can only be updated by its creator.
Creating open-source software is a collaborative effort, with a user base that can help to improve its functionality and add new capabilities. It is also commonly available at no cost.
This is not to argue that there aren’t any guidelines to follow. Users are still subject to the terms and conditions that outline proper conduct.
The Upsides of Free and Open Source Software
There are several advantages to using open source software.
Affordability
Open-source software is typically available at no cost, making it an economical alternative to more expensive, proprietary software. If there are any associated costs, such as those related to the product being produced, they will be significantly lower than if a different software solution was chosen.
Community
Open source software is supported by communities of programmers and IT professionals, allowing them to connect and exchange ideas, approaches and challenges while working.
Security
Open-source software is beneficial in that it allows anyone to make changes, meaning that any issues discovered in early versions can be quickly addressed by the community. This results in a more reliable and robust final product.
Stability
The general consensus is that open-source software is highly dependable due to the presence of an active development community. This community works to fix any issues, roll out updates and enhance the software, making it more robust and effective for a range of situations.
Flexibility
Engineers benefit from open-source projects, as the code can be sourced from a variety of sources. This provides them with the flexibility to customize the code to meet their own requirements and preferences by making modifications or enhancements.
Possibilities for Education
Open-source software provides novice programmers with the opportunity to hone their skills and explore different areas. It is freely available to all, allowing them to practice coding and seek guidance from experienced developers at no cost.
Outlook for the Year 2023
You can find open-source software in the stacks of businesses of all sizes and in all sorts of sectors. So, what can we expect this year?
1. The Market Will Expand
Recent years have seen a considerable growth in open-source software, which is now a fundamental part of many organizations’ operations. A survey by MarketsandMarkets forecasts that the open-source services market will grow from $21.7 billion in 2023 to $50 billion in 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 130%. This indicates that the sector is likely to experience accelerated expansion in the coming years.
Companies of all stripes will increasingly use open-source software to expand their offerings and infrastructures.
2. There Will Be an Extremely High Need for Local Talent.
According to the 2023 Open-Source Jobs Report: 9th Annual Report on Critical Skills, Hiring Trends, and Education, half of managers plan to increase the recruitment of open-source workers in the future. However, this could create a challenge for managers in terms of locating suitably qualified personnel operating in this sector.
Recent research has indicated that the recruitment of qualified open-source personnel is increasingly becoming a priority for many businesses. In fact, the survey found that 88% of respondents deemed it a top priority, an increase from 57% in 2023. This indicates that a more specific skill set is required, rather than general competence.
3. Open-Source Software Will Be Seen as a Viable Option to Proprietary Software by Users.
As the popularity of open-source software continues to grow, more and more people are taking advantage of the cost and utility benefits they offer. Ideas they might wish to explore include:
- Preferring Audacity over Apple’s LogicPro
- To Replace Adobe Photoshop, I’ll Use Gimp
- Prefer Inkscape to Illustrator
- Conversation with Jami over WhatsApp
- Better than Microsoft Office, LibreOffice
- If You’re Looking for an Alternative to Google Drive, Nextcloud Is Your Best Bet.
- Replace Evernote with Nixnote
- To Replace Windows Media Player with VLC
4. We Will Emphasize and Beef up Security.
Many companies are opting to use open-source software due to its increased security. Developers are now concentrating additional efforts on security, such as identifying potential vulnerabilities, utilizing diagnostic tools and monitoring any potential risks to their products. These will be key priorities moving forward.
Furthermore, the open-source software community will continue to collaborate in order to safeguard against potential threats, ensuring that any security vulnerabilities which could be exploited by malicious actors are addressed.
5. DEI considerations will be included into the development of open-source software
The Linux Foundation released the results of their study on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) trends in open-source software in late 2023. A significant 82% of respondents reported feeling a sense of belonging in the open-source community.
Despite progress, much still needs to be done to address inequities. Disabled individuals, transgender people and members of racial and ethnic minorities accounted for a substantial proportion of the 18% who reported feeling unwelcome.
In light of the present threats, the open-source community will be renewing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As open-source software is designed to be accessible, it is only logical that communities strive to make the technology more equitable.
At Works, we are thankful for open-source software, as it allows us to do our daily tasks effectively. We anticipate that this year and, in the years, to come, open-source software will reach new heights and successfully overcome any obstacles.
