Open source accelerates beyond experimentation

Companies, individuals and organizations committed to the principles and prowess of open source software have waged a steady, unrelenting campaign for 12 years or more. Looking back to their free-software roots, campaigners have worked to prove the open source model is the best option for the software industry and its users. Now open source is not just an acceptable alternative for niche applications, but a preferred foundation for development at all scales across many industries. Leading communications service providers (CSPs) like AT&T, Orange, Verizon and Vodafone have publicly called for greater use of open source software, even though they have not necessarily immersed themselves in the open source community or adopted the sharing mindset with some exceptions, such as AT&T and Orange. In other words, CSPs are not as engaged in open source industry initiatives as they are in their own standards organizations. It is unlikely that operators can keep pace with software innovation and remain leaders in communications services without adopting open source to a much larger degree. A balance is needed between adopting open source tools, platforms and development practices and trying to force suppliers down an open source path that neither they nor the CSPs really want them to follow. That balance is being struck. This report examines how CSPs are embracing open source with both old and new software suppliers and platforms while maintaining their characteristic strict performance and security requirements.