SA could eclipse US open source use

The rate of open source adoption and implementation in SA could exceed that of the US in a relatively short time.

That's the prediction of Sam Greenblatt, visiting Computer Associates (CA) Linux technology group VP, who spoke to CA customers in Sandton this week. He said it was only a matter of time before open source (OS) gained momentum as more people came to understand it.

Greenblatt, who is also a member of the board of directors for the Open Source Development Lab, said the economic and security benefits of open source, coupled with the government's commitment to an OS strategy, were bound to accelerate OS adoption in the country and region.

“SA is one of several countries in the region to have endorsed an open source policy,” observed Greenblatt. “I expect the open source philosophy to take hold, and OS environments and software to proliferate as they have done through cooperation in other regions where there has been a similar commitment.”

Greenblatt said although CA supported Microsoft and Windows, anything that was open source had the support of the 400 000 members of the worldwide OS community, unlike software produced using any other paradigm.

“The OS development model means there is a large beta test network, which results in more frequent software updates as well as rapid error detection and correction,” pointed out Greenblatt. He said the average iteration in the OS world was six to eight weeks instead of six to 18 months for proprietary software.

“Through merging products and solutions with open source participation, CA is able to supply the best products,” declared Greenblatt. “A policy of open innovation means CA is able to combine internal and external research to enrich products.”

Concluding his talk about the open source era, Greenblatt said at the core of open innovation was the ability to deliver the best possible product through the community process, which would translate into more customers for anyone embracing it. “Open source enables transition and change, and it's here to stay.”

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