Explore the power of open source as we delve into its impact and discuss how to be part of the thriving community behind this digital revolution. Here are 7 important things to know about Open Source…

For this conversation we’re joined by Doug Cone, an expert in open source development.

We cover questions such as:

• What, exactly, IS Open Source?
• What aspects entice modern-day companies to adopt it?
• What are the critical risks associated with it?
• How does a technology practitioner get involved?
• What does an executive need to know?

Key Highlights:

• Definition of open source and what it means for companies and practitioners (2:40-3:20)
• Discussion of open source vs proprietary software (4:00-6:00)
• Explanation of pace layered architecture for applications (19:50-21:30)
• Security concerns around open source and how to address them (27:00-29:30)
• Advice for preparing your career for open source (31:00-32:00)
• Importance of participating in the open source community (34:30-35:30)
• Takeaways for companies to have an open source management strategy (35:30-36:30)

7 Takeaways:

1. Open source generally means the source code is openly available to inspect, modify, and distribute. It allows independence from reliance on a single company.
2. Open source vs proprietary software comes down to who identifies problems and codifies solutions – a community vs a private company.
3. Pace layered architecture refers to the observation that different application layers in an organization change at different paces. This impacts where open source does or doesn’t make sense.
4. Security concerns with open source can be addressed through internal security standards and practices that would apply to any code, not just open source.
5. To prepare your career for open source, start small by participating in a community, like making documentation contributions. This builds familiarity.
6. Participating in the open source community provides opportunities to develop skills and collaborate. It expands options.
7.  Companies need an open source management strategy to consciously evaluate where open source fits in their application portfolio and culture.

Check out the Audio-only version of this episode!
Episode 04 – Audio Only