FLOSS Weekly 761: We Won! - The Victories of Free Software and Open Source
Dec 13, 2023
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Leo Laporte, along with the hosts, celebrates the final victory of free and open-source software (FOSS) in the technology industry. They delve into the importance of end-user self-sovereignty and licensing, highlight the significance of licensing in the free software and open-source movements, discuss the role of Kubernetes in the cloud-native community, explore the inclusivity and diversity of open source, and reflect on the history and accomplishments of FLOSS Weekly over the past 17 years.
Open source software has become dominant, partnering with major companies and providing end-user self-sovereignty.
The success of Linux can be attributed to its copyleft licensing, while BSD lacked a strong free software license.
Open source software has achieved widespread adoption and inclusivity, with advocacy shifting towards promoting best practices and community collaboration.
Deep dives
The Importance of Open Source and Self-Sovereignty
Open source software has become ubiquitous and is a critical component for many technology companies. The conversation around open source has shifted from being a plucky underdog fighting proprietary software to a dominant force partnering with major companies like Microsoft. The victory of open source lies in its ability to provide end-user self-sovereignty, allowing individuals and organizations to study, modify, and redistribute the code. Licensing plays a crucial role in ensuring the freedoms associated with open source software, and it is essential to use OSI-approved licenses to guarantee these rights.
Open Source and the Success of Linux
The success of Linux can be attributed to its copyleft licensing, particularly the GPL, which ensured that no single entity could control the software. This distributed ownership and the resulting freedom provided by the license allowed Linux to become the most widely used general-purpose operating system. BSD, on the other hand, lacked a strong free software license and resulted in many small principalities, limiting its widespread adoption. However, it is important to acknowledge that BSD is still widely used in many products and industries.
The Future of Open Source and Licensing
The conversation around open source should focus on end-user self-sovereignty, ensuring that individuals have the freedom and control over the technology they use. The concept of self-sovereignty extends beyond software to all aspects of digital life. It is crucial to associate open source with end-user self-sovereignty and to use OSI-approved licenses that guarantee these freedoms. Licensing remains a critical anchor for open source, allowing individuals and organizations to use, study, modify, and redistribute software without restrictions.
Open Source Success: From Adoption to Ubiquity
Open source software has achieved success and widespread adoption, with almost everyone using it in some form. From Android phones to open office, open source has become a viable alternative to paid software. While contributors and developers remain essential, open source has also become more inclusive, with individuals contributing in various ways beyond coding, such as through documentation, translation, marketing, and legal support. As the open source community has grown and become more ubiquitous, advocacy has shifted from selling the idea of open source to promoting best practices and community collaboration. Despite the changing landscape, open source has proven its lasting value and critical role in everyday technology use.
Floss Weekly: Navigating the Changing Landscape
The Floss Weekly podcast, which has been at the forefront of open source discussions, reflects on the changing media landscape. While podcasting continues to thrive, adapting to new dynamics and business models is essential to ensure sustainability. The discussion touches on the importance of building and sustaining a community of supporters, such as the Club Twit membership. Despite the shifts, the enthusiasm for open source endures, and the show remains committed to exploring and celebrating open source software projects and its dedicated contributors.
Doc Searls, Katherine Druckman, Dan Lynch, Simon Phipps, and Leo Laporte gather to celebrate the final victory of free software and open source—and the final FLOSS Weekly as well.
