Open source software has never been more popular, but big changes in how it is licensed and maintained means engineering managers have plenty of risks to consider before adoption.
Open source software (OSS) has become the bedrock for the majority of software applications – from smartphones to space shuttles. Characterized by the accessibility of its source code to the public, OSS typically enables unrestricted viewing, usage, modification, and distribution of the source code.
The surge in the adoption of OSS is a noteworthy trend across various industries. Organizations are increasingly drawn to the benefits it offers, including cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and the innovative power derived from a collaborative, community-driven approach – even if maintainers are still agonizingly underpaid.
