Open Source Software Is Now a Norm in Businesses

We've already seen mounting evidence that the numerous benefits of open source software are making a big impression on businesses far and wide, and this week saw the release of yet more data corroborating that fact.

At the Computerworld-sponsored Open Source Business Conference (OSBC) in San Francisco, North Bridge Venture Partners on Monday announced the results of its annual "Future of Open Source Survey."

Currently in its fifth year, the study's results for 2011 suggest that open source is now fully embraced by organizations in both the public and private sectors, and that user confidence in such open technologies is growing "dramatically," North Bridge said.

'Open Source Has Gone Mainstream'

"When we started this survey five years ago, open source was still a movement that was in its nascent stages and its future was promising but still unknown," said Michael Skok, a general partner with North Bridge. "Since then, the survey has documented the steady rise of open source.