Open Source
Well-known projects such as Linux, Apache, and Android are just a few of the many examples of open source software. Together with you, we design digital systems that are based on open standards, are built to last, and leverage the various advantages of open source.
What is Open Source?
Open source stands for transparency, flexibility, and independence based on the idea of developing software collaboratively.
What is Open Source used for?
Among others, companies, government agencies, and research institutions are users of open source software.
What are the benefits of Open Source?
Those who rely on open source benefit from a strong community, continuous development, and customizable solutions.
What is Open Source?
The idea of open source arose from the desire to develop software collaboratively, share knowledge, and make innovations accessible to everyone. This was already a topic of discussion in the early days of computer science, but the term “open source” itself did not emerge until the 1990s.
- Open source code
The source code is public and accessible to everyone. This allows for independent verification and there are no hidden features, which builds trust and increases security.
- Community-driven development
An active community is constantly developing the software. New ideas, security updates, and improvements arise from open exchange for the benefit of all users.
- Public licenses
The use of Open Source software is regulated by different license models. The use of the software and its functions is free.
Digital sovereignty is becoming increasingly important in light of current global developments. That is why the Open Source Business Alliance, together with over 240 member companies, is committed to establishing open standards and open source software as the basis for this sovereignty. Our membership underscores our clear commitment to transparency, security, and innovation in software development.
What is Open Source used for?
- Operating systems
- Linux is probably the best-known Open Source project. From embedded systems to supercomputers to every Android phone, Linux is used more often in our everyday lives than most people realize.
- Software development
- The use of Open Source software is an indispensable part of a software developer's everyday life. Git as a version control system, MariaDB for databases or Arduino for embedded development.
- Server infrastructures
- Whether cloud, virtualization or high-availability clusters. In the hosting market, the use of Open Source software from the operating system to system administration is considered standard.
- Security
- As soon as software is used in critical infrastructure and data protection and data security are important, Open Source software is indispensable and is considered best practice.
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- In order to ensure the necessary flexibility and interoperability of the various IoT devices, the use of Open Source is a prerequisite.
- KI/AI
- Machine learning, AI and LLM projects use Open Source technologies such as TensorFlow or PyTorch - these technologies are state of the art in the field.
What are the advantages of Open Source?
Open source software offers companies much more than just cost advantages. Those who rely on open source benefit from a strong community, continuous development, and solutions that are individually customizable and sustainable in the long term.
- Transparency
Open source code enables unrestricted testing before the software is used. Security gaps can be identified and fixed more quickly thanks to the 'many eyes'. Every change to the source code can be traced.
- Faster innovation
Through global communities, open source projects benefit from state-of-the-art technologies and further developments. This means that the quality of the software is constantly being improved, regardless of budget and time constraints.
- Flexibility
If necessary, the code of Open Source software can be adapted and expanded to suit your own needs at any time.
- Trust
The transparency mentioned creates trust in use. The elimination of security gaps and the worldwide use create well-tested and stable projects.
- Cost savings
The transparent licensing models avoid hidden costs. Often the use of Open Source is completely free, even in the commercial sector.
- Independence
Unlike proprietary software, the use of open source software does not create dependency on a specific provider and its licensing model (vendor lock-in). If an open source project is abandoned, the project can be continued independently.