The landscape of open-source software (OSS) is rapidly evolving, with 2024 poised to be an interesting year for advancements and transformations. This article puts together insights from our own Engineering leads, practitioners but also analysts in the industry (accordingly referenced) focusing on notable trends, especially in areas like OpenZFS and open-source storage management.

A report by MarketsandMarkets projects that the open-source services market, at $21.7 billion in 2021, will reach $50 billion by 2026, a growth rate of 130%. 

Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/open-source-services-market-27852275.html

What are some of the implications of this growth in 2024?

1. AI and ML Integration in OSS

We’ll start with the obvious, and somewhat buzz-wordy one of last year – Artificial Intelligence.  AI and ML continue to be integral to OSS, enhancing coding efficiency and automating complex tasks. The integration of AI and ML in OSS tools is not just a trend but a transformation, offering at times either completely new capabilities or new ways to execute on problem-solving and decision-making.

The integration of AI and ML into open-source software (OSS) is a significant trend, primarily driven by the need for more efficient and intelligent development processes. This integration also marks a shift in how OSS is developed and used, bringing more sophistication and advanced features to open-source projects. The growing adoption of AI in OSS reflects a broader trend of technological advancement, making OSS more powerful and versatile.

Gartner predicts that more than 80% of enterprises will have used some form of generative AI APIs and models and/or generative AI-enabled applications in production by 2026, compared to less than 5% earlier this year. (Source: https://www.gartner.com/en/articles/gartner-top-10-strategic-technology-trends-for-2024). Any number of those will run on open source environments.

2. Focus on Security and Ethical Concerns

The focus on security and ethical concerns in open-source software is intensifying, particularly with the integration of AI and ML technologies. As OSS increasingly incorporates AI, complex legal and ethical issues come to the fore. Questions around intellectual property rights and the legality of using open-source projects for training AI models are sparking debate. High-profile cases, like the lawsuit against GitHub’s CoPilot AI tool, highlight these challenges. 

Simultaneously, the necessity of robust security measures is underscored by vulnerabilities in widely-used OSS components, exemplified by the Log4j incident. This evolving landscape demands a concerted effort from the OSS community, developers, and legal experts to navigate these issues responsibly, ensuring that OSS remains a secure and ethically sound choice in the tech ecosystem. The ongoing discussions and initiatives in this space are crucial for the sustainable growth and credibility of open-source software.

3. Rising Adoption of OpenZFS

OpenZFS, our favourite advanced file system and logical volume manager, is gaining traction for its robustness and efficiency in handling data. With its unique features like copy-on-write cloning, continuous integrity checking, and automatic repair, OpenZFS is a standout in the realm of open-source storage solutions. This trend highlights a growing recognition of the need for reliable and secure storage management systems.

The expansion of OpenZFS in 2024 can be attributed to its robust features and the growing costs associated with proprietary storage licensing. As organizations face increased storage demands, the cost-effectiveness of OpenZFS becomes more appealing. OpenZFS offers advanced functionalities like high data integrity, scalability, and efficient data protection, which are essential for managing large volumes of data. Its open-source nature allows for greater flexibility and adaptability, making it a preferred choice for organizations seeking to optimize storage management while avoiding the escalating licensing fees associated with proprietary solutions.

4. Increased Corporate Support and Sponsorship

Recent years, either due to economic uncertainty and overall budget shrinking, we have witnessed a remarkable shift in corporate attitudes towards open-source software. Notably, tech giants like Facebook and Google initially reduced their open-source office footprints, but we’re now seeing a resurgence and expansion in this area. This change is fueled by a renewed recognition of the strategic value of open-source initiatives.

It’s now looking again like large technology companies are increasingly acknowledging the critical role of open-source in their ecosystems. This acknowledgment has led to more initiatives and sponsorships aimed at supporting open-source creators. GitHub’s Accelerator program and Codacy’s Pioneers fellowship are prime examples of this trend, offering funding, guidance, and mentorship to open-source projects. Such programs reflect a growing corporate commitment to fostering the open-source community, recognizing its importance in driving innovation and technological advancement.

5. Expansion of Open Source Program Offices (OSPOs)

In parallel, there’s an increasing trend of establishing Open Source Program Offices (OSPOs) within companies. These cross-functional teams are responsible for strategizing and implementing open-source policies and practices. OSPOs help companies manage the risks and maximize the benefits associated with open-source software. The expansion of OSPOs, including roles like Chief Open Source Officer, signals a strategic shift in companies towards more structured and efficient engagement with open-source software. This trend is a testament to the growing realization of open source’s value beyond mere technology, encompassing aspects of innovation, community engagement, and strategic advantage.

6. Diverse Applications Across Industries

OSS is no longer limited to tech companies. It’s finding applications in various sectors, from education to government, indicating its versatility and adaptability to different operational needs.

In 2024, the use of OSS across various industries is expected to expand significantly. This trend is driven by the versatility and adaptability of OSS, making it suitable for diverse operational needs beyond the tech sector. Industries like education, healthcare, and government are increasingly adopting OSS, leveraging its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and the innovation it fosters. This widespread application signifies OSS’s growing importance and its ability to meet the unique requirements of different sectors, reinforcing its status as a versatile and essential technology solution.

7. Emphasis on Sustainable OSS Development

In 2024, there is a growing awareness in the OSS community about the need for sustainable development. This includes ensuring that open-source maintainers, who often work voluntarily, receive fair compensation for their efforts. Addressing issues like maintainer burnout and fostering a diverse, inclusive environment are also crucial. These initiatives aim to sustain the OSS ecosystem’s health and vitality, ensuring that it continues to innovate and provide high-quality, accessible software solutions for a wide range of users and industries.

8. Open-Source Software in Education

Educational institutions are increasingly adopting OSS for teaching and research, leveraging its accessibility and adaptability for learning purposes. Open source software’s (OSS) growing presence in education is attributed to its adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and the hands-on learning experience it offers. Educational institutions are increasingly embracing OSS like FreeBSD or OpenZFS for their flexibility and community-driven innovation.

Our team at Klara Inc. is significantly contributing to this trend by assisting universities, high schools and numerous other institutions in implementing and managing FreeBSD or OpenZFS environments. Our support enables educational institutions to leverage these powerful open-source platforms, enhancing the technological infrastructure for academic purposes and preparing students for future tech careers. This collaboration not only enriches the learning experience but also promotes practical skills in OSS, essential for the evolving tech landscape.

As we move into 2024, these trends underscore the dynamic nature of open-source software. From OpenZFS’s rise in storage management to the ethical dilemmas posed by AI, the OSS landscape is both challenging and exciting. With enhanced corporate support and a focus on security and sustainability, OSS is set to play an even more critical role in shaping the future of technology and beyond.

Meet the Author: Sabina Anja

One of the two co-founders at Klara Inc., Sabina Anja has a long history in networking technologies and later on stepped into the realm of storage. Before founding Klara together with Allan Jude, Sabina had been working on different networking solutions and took on more business roles advising customers on technologies and strategies.