Open-Source Software Reaches Near-Ubiquity

Not only have enterprises widely embraced open-source software, but it's also now their preferred option, a new survey of 1,300 IT professionals conducted by security software specialist Black Duck and venture capitalist firm North Bridge finds. What's even more surprising is that fact that 66 percent said they incorporate open-source code into software they share with their customers. While solution providers across the channel that resell commercial software may find the embrace of all things open source troubling, there is a silver lining. Very few organizations have any formal process for how they use and share open-source software. It may only be a matter of time before those organizations seek outside help to manage a process that is not only spiraling out of control, but also violating all kinds of compliance regulations. There may be no stopping open source at this point, but that doesn't necessarily mean there still isn't money to be made from using, managing and supporting it.