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
A grey articulated figure kneeling, arranging small white objects in a clear plastic container. White background.
By Bill Doerrfeld September 11, 2025
MCP shines for indeterministic workflows, novel integrations, and giving AI coding agents context on the fly. But for more predictable automation it may be overengineeering.
Overhead view of construction site with workers in orange vests, metal beams, and dark concrete.
By Bill Doerrfeld August 30, 2025
For my latest DirectorPlus column with LeadDev, I synced with JB Brown, VP of engineering at Smartsheet, to learn about their multi-agent AI development strategy.
Pink and purple sunset sky with dark, fluffy clouds.
By Bill Doerrfeld August 25, 2025
Alternative clouds are having a moment. Nearly 75% of orgs are using two or more alt clouds beyond the hyperscalers, according to a HostingAdvice.com report.
Digital global CIOs digital sovereignty
By Bill Doerrfeld August 20, 2025
The cloud is no longer borderless. Rising regional data laws and sovereign cloud mandates are forcing CIOs to act.
A
By Bill Doerrfeld August 11, 2025
In a multi-agent coding workflow, an engineer leads a "team" of specialist AI agents to perform various SDLC tasks: scaffolding, coding, testing, log analysis, deployment, and more.
Open source software churn end of life
By Bill Doerrfeld August 8, 2025
Open-source software churn is accelerating. With more frequent version end-of-lives and even total project abandonments, it's harder than ever to keep up.
Hype drives most programming language igrationsigra
By Bill Doerrfeld July 30, 2025
I covered a report from HostingAdvice.com, which found that the majority of programming language migrations are driven by hype, instead of proven outcomes.
Cross-functional teams help Stack Overflow adapt LeadDev DirectorPlus 2025
By Bill Doerrfeld July 28, 2025
Facing an existential crisis, Stack Overflow has had to pivot quickly. I synced with a director to discover what team strategies are helping them adapt.
System Initiative feature InfoWorld doerrfeld
By Bill Doerrfeld July 14, 2025
System Initiative aims to replace the toil of maintaining config files with a data-based digital twin and visual modeling engine. An engine for DevOps, if you will.
CIOs describe why AI agents need APIs
By Bill Doerrfeld July 10, 2025
My latest feature on CIO.com explores why CIOs view APIs as a critical linchpin to realize success with agentic AI. Learn what it'll all take.