5 Biggest Linux and Open-Source Stories of 2024: From AI Arguments to Security Close Calls
The year 2024 proved to be a rollercoaster for the Linux and open-source communities. It was a time of significant advancements and problematic turns, a mix of innovative development and questionable business strategies.
The Shifting Open-Source Business Landscape
Throughout the year, a frequently occurring issue was that several companies chose to transition away from their open-source roots, opting for more restrictive licensing models. These companies, which once thrived in an open-source environment, are now pursuing profit through prosperity licenses and trademark agreements.
This trend is notable in the actions of companies like Cockroach Labs, MongoDB, Elastic, and many others. The open-source licenses they once embraced are being replaced by semi-proprietary alternatives, raising alarms about the direction of open-source business practices.
In addition, a different challenge has emerged with companies delaying the publication of their code under open-source licenses, including GitButler and Sentry. This approach undermines the essence of open source by creating a sense of uncertainty and mistrust within the community.
Another controversial move was led by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg, whose demand for a cut of profits from companies using the WordPress trademark sparked debates about the true nature of open-source principles.
Security Close Calls
On a more positive note, a major security threat was averted when a backdoor was discovered in XZ Utils, a prominent Linux data compression utility. This discovery underscored the complex security challenges that open-source projects face, highlighting the necessity for rigorous code review and vigilance.
This incident served as a reminder that while open-source software development is crucial, it also requires substantial investment in security measures. The OpenSSF’s Open Source Consumption Manifesto may provide the groundwork needed to strengthen these efforts.
Rise of CentOS Replacements
Following Red Hat’s discontinued support for CentOS, 2024 saw the emergence of several new replacements reach maturity. AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux have taken the lead in providing reliable, community-driven enterprise Linux distributions.
Additionally, SUSE has successfully introduced Liberty Linux. These distributions, including Oracle Linux, now operate on the new Open Enterprise Linux Association (OpenELA) codebase. This project aims to establish a truly open-source enterprise Linux that’s compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
Despite these changes, Red Hat remains robust. The acquisition by IBM has further cemented its position as the premier commercial Linux distribution. Their continued growth and substantial contributions to IBM’s profitability highlight the enduring impact of Linux in the enterprise sector.
The Intersection of AI and Open Source
The relationship between AI and open-source development continues to be both challenging and symbiotic. AI companies, with IBM being a notable exception through its Granite models, frequently vocalize support for open source but often fall short in actual code and model releases.
The ongoing debates surrounding the Open Source Initiative’s (OSI) Open Source AI Definition (OSAID) exemplify the difficulties in aligning AI’s fast-paced innovation with open-source principles. Despite these challenges, open-source programs such as Hugging Face Transformers, PyTorch, and TensorFlow form the foundation of AI technology, underscoring their crucial role in advancing AI research and applications.
Real-Time Linux Achieves a Milestone
It took two decades, but Real-Time Linux (PREEMPT_RT) finally made its way to the mainline kernel in 2024. Real-time operating systems (RTOS) cater to time-sensitive requirements, prioritizing reliability over speed. This development opens up numerous possibilities for Linux in industries demanding precision and dependability, such as aerospace and medical devices.
The arrival of RTOS into the mainline kernel signals a new era for Linux, potentially leading to a plethora of real-time hardware devices powered by Linux.
Looking forward, these trends are likely to persist, presenting both opportunities and challenges. While the past year has been transformative, there’s hope that the open-source community will navigate these complexities and emerge stronger for the betterment of technological innovation.
