The Journey of Open-Source Software to the Cloud and Beyond

Open-source software has been integral to the growth and operation of modern cloud computing. But what exactly is cloud computing, and how does open-source fit into the picture? This article delves into the critical role that open-source operating systems and software play in cloud infrastructure, enabling businesses and individuals to leverage powerful, remote computing resources.

At its core, cloud computing refers to using remote servers (often not owned by the end-user) to store, manage, and process data. These remote systems, often referred to as "the cloud," rely heavily on open-source operating systems like Linux, which form the foundation of cloud infrastructure. Without open-source software, the cloud as we know it simply wouldn't exist.

In this first article of a series on open-source technology, we explore how Linux and other open-source solutions power the cloud services that businesses and consumers use daily. From popular platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox to large-scale business applications, open-source software is quietly working behind the scenes to manage and process data.

Open-Source Operating Systems in the Cloud

Many users may be unaware that they are interacting with cloud-based open-source software daily. Whether it's using document storage systems or subscribing to SaaS (software as a service) tools for business, these platforms are frequently hosted on cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

Although Microsoft Azure is often associated with Windows, over 60% of its cloud-based applications are Linux-based. Other cloud platforms see even higher percentages of their services running on Linux and BSD (Berkeley Systems Distribution), underscoring how open-source solutions are deeply embedded in modern cloud computing.

This flexibility allows companies to rent computing resources to run their own custom solutions. With cloud services offering seamless scalability and elasticity, businesses can easily expand their computing power and storage as needed, without the limitations of local hardware.

The Role of Open-Source in Network Systems

Beyond cloud platforms, open-source software dominates in the world of embedded systems—the devices that control the flow of digital traffic across the internet. These systems, including routers and switches, often run on open-source software tailored to their specific hardware requirements.

For example, the common home Wi-Fi router relies on open-source operating systems like OpenWrt or OPNsense to manage network traffic and ensure seamless connectivity. The software running on these devices is built using open-source components, from web servers like Apache and NGINX to databases like SQLite and MySQL.

Open-Source Everywhere: From Cloud to Desktop

Although many associate computing with proprietary systems like Windows or macOS, open-source software is omnipresent. Even macOS is based on BSD (an open-source Unix derivative), and the popular Android operating system is built on Linux, albeit with proprietary elements like Google Play Services.

This widespread use of open-source software extends from the cloud and network systems to individual desktops and mobile devices, making it an indispensable part of the digital landscape.

Conclusion

Open-source software is the invisible force that powers much of the internet, from cloud platforms and network systems to personal devices. As we continue this series, we will dive deeper into the benefits of open-source software, exploring how it contrasts with proprietary models and the economic implications of open-source technology in the modern world.