From open source to enterprise open source : What’s in store for us this new year?

Open Source has been evolving over the last two decades and is now an integral component of the contemporary IT landscape. If you’re into the development of software and applications you may have inevitably come across the debate that talks of open-source vs enterprise open-source. However, when we look closely, we may realize that at the very core of the open-source movement, the concept of enterprise open source resides. Enterprise open source is software that is supported and backed by experts in a way that makes it convenient for the enterprises to absorb and utilize it in a more consistent, secure and stable manner. Enterprise open-source software comes with the promise of transforming our workplaces and realizing our digital goals. How? Let’s explore more in this blog.

However first let's understand, what is enterprise open source software?

Simply said, an enterprise open source is an open-source software backed by enterprise support, quality, security and software life cycle management.  If we are managing the security, quality and life cycle of the software on our own it may not be an enterprise open source. Enterprise open source may also be known as commercial open source.

What’s the difference between enterprise open source and open source?

The distinction between enterprise open source and open source in general lies in the support feature that enterprise open source comes with. We can understand that when open-source software is backed by the enterprise support system it is not just open source. While on the other hand, open-source software is open for the users to adopt and edit. The software comes with a license that lets the users modify and edit how a program runs and works. This can also be freely redistributed once it has been altered without any hassles. Let’s know more about Open Source Software

The endorsements to enterprise open source hold valid in 2022

Aren’t we experiencing a massive digital wave to the point that it can leave us spellbound? However, this rapid transition to digital is also bringing its own set of challenges especially to the enterprises that are on a vision of expansion and relevance. In this scenario, the organizations that have been able to match pace with the technology accelerations guided by the open-source space are faring well. Businesses have been able to pace up with the growing demands of a transitioning and evolving  IT infrastructure and consumer behaviours. In accordance with a Red Hat Survey more than 90% of the organizations have already transitioned to enterprise open source and more than 95% of the IT stalwarts are convinced about the significance of enterprise open source to evolve with time. Also in 2021, Red Hat released its annual State Of Enterprise Open Source Report 2021 that talks about how enterprises are embracing the enterprise open-source system into their growth trajectory. These readings are based upon the interviews conducted with IT leaders worldwide.

Let’s have a look at some of the highlights of the State Of Enterprise Open Source Report 2021:

• Today we are not asking the question if enterprises should adopt the open-source software, rather how and when we can adopt the enterprise open-source software remains to be answered. 69% of the respondents affirm the usage of enterprise open-source software. Only 1 % showed some form of dissatisfaction.
• Enterprise open-source software is being adopted for many uses by organizations. 45% of the users are developing software using enterprise open source. 42% are applying enterprise open source for big data & analytics. 43% deploy enterprise cloud management solutions. While 41% of the respondents are relying heavily upon the enterprise open-source databases.
• The enterprise open source software outlines multiple benefits for its users however 33% of the respondents agreed with the benefits of lower costs of ownership that are associated with these platforms.
• About 38% of the respondents identified security as one of the major concerns of open-source software. 35% of the interviewees identified the level of support as a key challenge with open-source software.
• However, 68% of the respondents identified that the usage of enterprise open-source software has been increasing in their organization. While 59% of the interviewees were of the opinion that in the coming 12 months they are likely to invest in enterprise open-source software.
  

Looking at the trend, we can safely say that Enterprise Open source software is here to not just stay but usher into another big thing to watch out for.

What are the Key Benefits of Enterprise Open Source Platforms?

• Enterprise Level Support

Each & every business is run on certain critical applications. Such a program may require support teams that are available to take care of any glitches that occur in real-time. The developer community of any of the open-source software is efficient and reliable, however, at times receiving immediate help may be somewhat difficult. This may be because there remain no service obligations and also 24/7 support may not be available. This is the reason why many enterprises are opting for Enterprise Open Source Platforms with dedicated support staff.

• Being able to switch to open-source confidently

The decision to move to a newer technology stack is definitely a difficult one. It may need a lot of critical thinking and strategizing by the decision-makers. However with a lot of open-source platforms readily available the key decision-makers of an organization may get overwhelmed without having the guidance of an expert consultant. An expert should be able to guide the enterprise pertaining to solution design needs, transitions support and after support  services. This is where an enterprise open source solution may score a goal. With an understanding of relevant enterprise open source services, you may be able to identify the suitable technology stack for your particular organization. This can be custom made in line with your suitable budget and IT requirements. Enterprise open source solutions can range from technical support, consulting, training, management & migration. These make open source more accessible to enterprises in various domains.

• Lower Costs

One of the biggest hurdles that enterprises faced with legacy or proprietary software were the very high investment costs that come with support and licensing. In addition to this, the lack of innovation and flexibility added up to the unavoidableness that came with this software. With the commercialization of the enterprise open-source platform, most of the organizations are opting to experiment with this piece of technology! Enterprise readiness, scalability, sophistication & agility are available at much lower costs when compared to the proprietary software.

• Superior Quality

With all the benefits that are readily available with the open-source community, it may however have some downsides. One of them is its inability to cater to readily available quality and lack of standardized structures and processes in quality control. There may also not be sufficient qualified code reviewers. With the help of enterprise open source software, the companies working on the domain have a flexible window to run ample tests, troubleshooting and tuning across different configurations, hardware and applications to come up with the enhanced quality of the code.

• Better Integration

The open-source community is likely to offer many options for a robust web server, data pipeline, database and data streamlining etc. Open source projects are existent in very large numbers for these kinds of solutions. However, do you wish to work all of them out in conjunction? And along with having proper quality and bang on support? This is where enterprise open source software may come to the rescue! Enterprise Open Source Consultation Services may be able to support you to identify the best of the open-source technologies that may be relevant for your unique requirements. These strategies need to work together with your IT infrastructure that is able to make open source adoption more effective.

• Reliable & Secure

The enterprise open source solution goes through varied tests to understand its compatibility with the needs that are there in an enterprise. Enterprise open source solutions are backed by all the services and support that an organization may need while lurching through a run down. It is the reliability and stability of enterprise open source solutions that are able to sustain through time! The software comes with a certain structured lifecycle. There may be a constant stream of upwards enhancements, updates, security features & bug fixtures. Hence enterprise open source software is also more secure.

The Tooljet Advantage

Enterprise open source is the future and if your organization is looking forward to leveraging the relevant and efficient open source technologies then Tooljet can support you with the same. We have worked with a number of clients offering enterprise open source solutions and services. We have the experience and expertise to impart your open source goals. Be it consulting, technology stacks, migration services, technical support or training we are up and ready to be of any help!

Ending Note:

Open source has drastically transformed how organizations use technologies today. Enterprise open source has also been able to significantly add up to the open-source movement by providing valuable support and guidance. Most of the success stories that we’ve come across of enterprise open source adoption speak of how ‘enterprise’ open source compliments open source. Taking away the risk associated with open source, enterprise open source solutions are catching up gradually to be the favourites! We can leverage the better of both worlds!