Open source is at a crossroads

Bill Doerrfeld | May 7, 2024

Open source is at a crossroads. There's a lot going on right now, with sudden licensing changes, economic uncertainties, backdoor security vulnerabilities, and questions about what exactly is open source AI.


This whirlwind of challenges makes for a scary prospect if left to spiral. "The effect on our lives if open source software disappeared would be incalculable," says Ruth Suehle, Executive VP, Apache Software Foundation. Yet, the cracks are beginning to show in this global ecosystem...


My latest article, published today on The New Stack, looks at the top pressing concerns for open source at large, including thoughts from some key minds in this space. Thankfully, they shared some helpful ideas for the ecosystem going forward. If you are involved in open source in any way, I encourage you to read this one.


Thank you to everyone who participated in this piece! I hope it inspires some positive discussion.


Thank you to The New Stack for publishing this! Hope to contribute more here in the future.

The new stack featured article open source cross roads may 7 2024

Other Blog Posts

A set of metal keys on a keyring resting on a wooden surface.
By Bill Doerrfeld May 22, 2026
My latest for Nordic APIs explores 10 API key security risks and what to use alongside keys for stronger API security.
By Bill Doerrfeld May 18, 2026
The yearly API conference, apidays New York, is a hotbed for solid discussion on what's top of mind in the API space, and as MC I had a front row seat.
By Bill Doerrfeld May 13, 2026
My latest for CIO Online features real results form CIOs actively deploying AI agents to empower sales and revenue teams.
By Bill Doerrfeld May 12, 2026
Reports say consumers are souring on AI everywhere, all the time. So, at the risk of losing trust, or even potential business, is adding AI to an existing product really worth it?
By Bill Doerrfeld May 1, 2026
Cloudflare rebuilt Next.js over a weekend using agentic coding.
By Bill Doerrfeld April 20, 2026
My InfoWorld feature reviews the key building blocks in agentic systems and with real-world examples from Shopify, Block, and others.
By Bill Doerrfeld March 31, 2026
My latest InfoWorld feature explores what makes an enterprise MCP registry effective, from semantic discovery to governance and security for AI agents.
By Bill Doerrfeld March 30, 2026
My first-ever contribution to CSO Online looks at the shifting landscape, from perimeter-based security to API security, and how CISOs are responding.
By Bill Doerrfeld March 29, 2026
My latest feature for The New Stack looks into solutions being proposed to fix open source Slopmageddon.
A digital pattern of rounded rectangular blocks in shades of blue and purple, arranged in an interlocking layout.
By Bill Doerrfeld March 27, 2026
My latest DirectorPlus looks at how agentic AI is reshaping platform engineering at Squarespace: less shared code and more developer experience focus.