In a recent survey on open source software, companies are clearly showing a preference for this dynamic technology. The survey sheds light on usage patterns, challenges faced, and future prospects.
In this era of digitisation, the use of open source software continues to gain momentum. This is what the Open Source Survey 2023-24 conducted by Ashnik, a leading open source consulting and services company headquartered in Singapore, revealed. The survey delved deep into the growing trust in open source platforms highlighting the reasons behind this trend, which include cost-efficiency, customisation freedom, and enhanced security.
Why the buzz around open source software?
The findings from the survey are indeed telling. A whopping 96% of its participants said they were gearing up for an uptick in the adoption of open source platforms. For 44% of respondents, the lure lies in the innovation and security prospects offered by open source, suggesting that these platforms not only hold the promise of more significant innovative avenues but also ensure minimised security vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, 43% of the respondents find appeal in its cost-effectiveness, deeming it a more budget-friendly software alternative. The rest, making up 13%, valued the community engagement facet, which fosters and encourages heightened collaborative endeavours.
| Conducted by the Ashnik team, the Open Source Survey 2023-24 collected data from around 150 South Asian and Indian enterprises. |
The challenges ahead
However, when it comes to the seamless assimilation of open source platforms into established organisational frameworks, a few challenges emerge. Thirty per cent of respondents voiced their worries regarding potential security glitches during the integration phase, while 25% felt there is a palpable internal skills vacuum, which slows down the adoption trajectory. Vendor support, or rather the lack of it, was a pain point for 24% of those surveyed. And 21% were grappling with regulatory compliances, which somewhat hindered the full realisation of the potential that open source software promises.
Despite these challenges, there’s a silver lining. Organisations are gearing up to confront these obstacles head-on, eager to integrate open source solutions. A significant 52% were more familiar with open source platforms and said they provided better guidance. On the support front, 25% opined that these platforms offer superior round-the-clock assistance.
Exploring the future of API gateway technologies:
The landscape of API gateway technologies is evolving too, with open source solutions gaining prominence. In this year’s adoption forecast, Google Apigee emerges as the leading choice for nearly half of the companies surveyed, with 47% stating it as their preference. Mulesoft is the choice of 16% of the companies surveyed while 12% are in favour of Kong. Seven per cent are in favour of Axway, another key player. The remaining 18% said they will choose between AWS API Gateway, NGINX Plus, and Gravitee, reflecting a varied and dynamic market.
