At All Things Open, a conference about new open-source technologies and pertinent topics held annually in Raleigh, North Carolina, Syncfusion’s VP of Business Development Marissa Keller Outten attended the panel discussion “Freedom vs. Sustainable: A Candid Necessary Debate.” Here are some of her takeaways:
The future of open source
Open source is not just about code and licenses; it’s a movement with the potential to change how we think about collaboration and sustainability in technology. So, how can we ensure that open source remains a force for good in our communities?
What is sustainable open source?
Sustainable open source means focusing on both the noun (the code, the licenses) and the verb (the community, the processes). To sustain open-source development, we need to maintain communication and cooperation among everyone involved. It’s not just about keeping the code running; it’s about ensuring the community and companies behind them thrive, too.
It is important to recognize that open source isn’t necessarily driven by unpaid contributors. The misconception that developers can work without compensation on platforms like GitHub can undermine sustainability.
The financial side of open source
A key point is that financial sustainability is often overlooked in discussions around open-source software.
Relying on individual and corporate contributions isn’t a long-term solution, as budgets can get tight. Whenever the economy dips, charitable giving is the first item to be cut from budgets. For an open-source project to be sustainable, it needs a solid financial model, perhaps through foundations that employ developers or partnerships with supportive companies. Initiatives like the Open Source Pledge encourage companies that have benefited from open-source software to contribute financially to projects they use.
Creating a supportive community
Another important consideration is how we treat each other in the open-source community. Creating a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable speaking up is crucial. Fostering a supportive atmosphere attracts and retains contributors.
Moreover, sustainability allows motivated developers to earn a fair wage without facing unnecessary barriers, opening opportunities for new economic models that can benefit them directly.
Balancing interests
Navigating the needs of individuals, organizations, and businesses is challenging. There’s often tension between the expectations of individual contributors, users, and sponsors. That’s why having an engineering steering committee for an open-source project can help prioritize ideas based on merit rather than influence.
Transparency plays a significant role here. When stakeholders understand the decision-making process, they’re more likely to feel heard and valued, even if they don’t get what they want. Honest communication is key.
The role of institutions
Institutions, namely nonprofits that oversee open-source projects, have a crucial role in mediating between individuals and groups. For example, platforms like WordPress create structures that support collaboration.
Privacy and trust
As the conversation shifts to privacy and user rights, it’s clear that open-source contributors can advocate for these values.
Looking ahead
Investments in platforms such as Git and commercial platforms like GitLab or GitHub are crucial for supporting the infrastructure that keeps open source alive. The key is finding ways for contributors and maintainers to get paid without sacrificing their passion for coding.
It’s clear that the future of open source holds immense potential. By focusing on sustainability, fostering community, and ensuring fair compensation, we can cultivate open source as a thriving ecosystem that benefits everyone involved.
