Let’s set the record straight: Open Source is software that comes with permission to use, copy and distribute, either as is or with modifications, and that may be offered either free or with a charge. The source code must be made available. That is not my definition but Gartner’s.
Because it is technically free, open source is said to facilitate innovation because the cost to use the software is free for as long as the user does not need support. And even in that regards, any person looking to develop based on open source can turn to the open source community for free advice, and some support – just don’t expect the latter to come instantaneously. And be prepared to dole out a lot of patience and maybe some grovelling is expected as the price of using something for “free”.
IDC pegs the “open source” developer count at 5 million full-time, 7 million part-time and 7 million non-compensated software developers. Making a total of 24.2 million total software developers globally. There is no official or unofficial number for the open source community in Hong Kong. Nonetheless there exists multiple organisations support and encourage the thriving community of open source professionals.
FutureCIO spoke to Peter Man, general manager – Hong Kong, Taiwan & Macau, Red Hat to peer through how and why open source is thriving in Hong Kong.
What is different about open source movement today and what is driving them from the business side, why are they interested in open source?
Peter Man: One of the biggest reason Linux became more popular is because Linux is seen as a cluster of Unix operating system, so the syntax, the language is very similar. Making it is very easy for a Unix administrator to pick up the Linux skill. It is a very natural downscale path for Unix customer, especially those big Unix customers like the banks and stock exchanges. Today many stock exchanges use open source software, as do some of the biggest banks like HSBC, Deutsche Bank and Barclays Bank.
Microsoft, which built its business on a closed platform, today supports open source on its cloud platforms – Microsoft Azure.
What is the business reason for embracing open and what is the technical reason?
Peter Man: Let’s look at the technical reason first. When it comes to open source, security is not worse than any other provider platforms that you are using today. Vendor lock-in is a more credible benefit of open source. For instance, Red Hat and SuSE come from the same Linux project.
If you want to migrate from Red Hat to SuSE, there is little that you need to do extra as they come from the same Linux project.
Avoiding big capital investment upfront is one of the biggest reasons why businesses are choosing open source. If your buy proprietary hardware of software, you have to pay a license fee in addition to the cost of the hardware. You also need to pay maintenance for the support and upgrades.
With open source software, we only sell subscription, which means you pay a subscription to get professional support for using the product.
This model helps to even out the investment as you don’t need to have the big money upfront for the project. You can spread out the investment and you can stop the subscription at any time.
How does open source work in a cloud environment?
Peter Man: As Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure support Red Hat OpenShift, users of Red Hat can move from on-prem to either cloud platform, and back as well (cloud to on-prem). Soon, they will be able to do the same with Alibaba Cloud. Without OpenShift, however, each cloud vendor operates a proprietary platform that would not lend itself to easy migration from one public cloud brand to another.
Is the digital transformation leading to greater adoption of open source?
Peter Man: Businesses that enjoy a monopoly, for example utility, or are part of a closed market, like capital markets, tend to stay on proprietary platforms. However, industries that are experiencing keen competition, or where market dynamics are hard to predict, these companies see open source not only to lower cost but just as important, the ability to launch new products and scale services very quickly. New products in retail and insurance can be brutally short, so industry players next platforms that support quick turnaround time can mean survival.
Do you see the lack of local technical skills as a limiting factor for open source?
Peter Man: I think the good thing about open source is that everybody can participate. At Red Hat we embrace open source – we don’t own open source. Open source has been around for more than 25 years. Anyone can download the source code and play around with it. It is a popular operating environment for startups and universities.
What do you see regulators are stifling the adoption
of open source?
Peter Man: Surprisingly, it is the other way around. Some authorities
even request that the software be open sourced. They understand that data is what
needs to be protected – not the source code. The more people can see the source
code, the safer. Because you know hundred and thousands of people can see the
source code which means that whatever bug or issues exists within the software,
resolution is faster when the software is open sourced.
