Understanding Open Source A Primer for the Modern Era | WSO2Con 2025
AI Summary
Summary of Talk on Open Source
Introduction
- Speaker discusses the evolution of open source in the software industry.
- Aimed to provide a new perspective rather than a standard definition of open source.
Speaker Background
- Nearly 50 years in personal computing and software development.
- Roles include programmer, startup founder, product designer, and steward of WSO2’s open-source business model.
Defining Open Source Usage
- Focus on who uses open source rather than just what it is.
- Distinction among different groups using open source over decades:
- 1970s-1980s: Hobbyists and academics.
- 1990s: DIYers (Do-It-Yourselfers).
- 2000s: Disruptors (startups leveraging open source).
- 2010s: Peddlers (companies struggling to monetize open source).
- Present: Community organizers (corporations collaborating on open source projects).
Historical Context
- 1980: U.S. copyright law applied to software, leading to formal licenses.
- Stallman: Advocated for free software and created the GPL license, which promotes sharing improvements.
Evolution of Use
- Commercialization: Rise of companies like Microsoft; businesses needed web applications leading to use of open source software.
- Open-source foundations (e.g., Apache Software Foundation) grew to support commercial users.
Challenges and Trends
- Difficulty monetizing open-source led to various strategies (e.g., support services, dual licenses).
- Many companies either were acquired or struggled to sustain business.
- 2010s: Rise of Software as a Service (SaaS) added competition, complicating open-source business models.
Future Predictions
- Increased regulatory interest in open source, especially regarding security and compliance (e.g., EU Cyber Resiliency Act).
- Potential for more structured community governance and corporate collaboration.
Conclusion
- Open source continues to evolve in response to its user base and broader industry trends. Future will likely see new constituencies shaped by regulations and community dynamics.