2024 has unfolded as a remarkable year for Linux and open-source software, marked by significant advancements along with a few troubling trends that have left many in the community scratching their heads. Welcome to a time of contrasts where innovation and uncertainty coexist!
1. The Profit Chase: Companies Move Away from Open Source
It’s disheartening to see many businesses shake off their open-source apparel, swapping it out for what they view as more lucrative proprietary models. By the numbers, Synopsys reveals that a staggering 96% of codebases today still utilize open-source components. Despite this, many well-known companies—like Cockroach Labs, Confluent, MongoDB, Elastic, and HashiCorp—are shifting toward semi-proprietary licenses such as the Server Side Public License (SSPL) and the Business Source License (BSL) 1.1.
And then there are those businesses dabbling in the concept of delayed open-source publication (DOSP). Companies like GitButler and Sentry are promising future releases under open-source terms while currently keeping their codes locked up. It’s a tricky game of waiting that raises eyebrows and concerns within the community.
WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg has ramped up the controversy, demanding that the WP Engine hosting company cough up 8% of its net profits for utilizing the WordPress trademark. This approach is drawing lines in the open-source sand, reflecting a disconnect with the community’s ethos. The frustration grows as there’s little evidence that these license changes lead to significant profit increases; a study indicates growth rates often remain unchanged.
2. Security in the Linux World: A Close Call
Switching gears, the Linux community dodged a bullet this year when Microsoft developer Andres Freund discovered a backdoor in XZ Utils, a popular Linux compression tool. This major find could have led to catastrophic security issues for millions of users, highlighting the need for sharper vigilance within open-source projects.
This incident underscores an urgent call for stronger security practices in open-source software development. Initiatives like the OpenSSF’s Open Source Consumption Manifesto could serve as a foundation for improving security protocols in the space.
3. CentOS Alternatives Rise to the Occasion
In the wake of Red Hat’s withdrawal of support for CentOS, several community-driven replacements have blossomed. AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are stepping up as leaders, dutifully filled the gap left by CentOS. These distributions are built to ensure stability for businesses relying on CentOS, with others like Liberty Linux from SUSE also making a strong impression.
Red Hat, however, is far from fading. Since its acquisition by IBM, the company has doubled in size and boasts solid growth rates across its product lines, evidencing that established enterprises can still thrive amidst shifting tides.
4. AI’s Dependence on Open Source
If there’s one thing we’ve learned in 2024, it’s that AI pairs beautifully with open source. The backbone of AI technology is heavily interwoven with open-source frameworks like Hugging Face Transformers, PyTorch, and TensorFlow. Yet, many AI firms, except for IBM with its Granite models, seem stuck in a loop of praising open source while withholding their code from public release.
The ongoing debates surrounding the Open Source Initiative’s (OSI) Open Source AI Definition (OSAID) reveal a struggle within the industry to reach consensus on how to define “open” in an AI context. But there’s no denying that as AI continues to evolve, its roots in open-source software remain a crucial aspect of its growth.
5. Real-Time Linux Finally Hits the Mainstream
After two decades of anticipation, Real-Time Linux (PREEMPT_RT) is now part of the main Linux kernel. What’s the big deal, you ask? Real-time operating systems are tailored for precision and reliability in time-sensitive tasks, like those found in industrial control systems or medical devices.
This pivotal inclusion opens fresh avenues for Linux, potentially leading to the development of new real-time hardware running on the Linux platform. The possibilities are vast and exciting!
As we peer into the future, these trends promise to shape the landscape of open-source development. My hope is that the ongoing dialogue, innovation, and community spirit will guide us toward the best outcomes.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
