2024 has proven to be a transformative year for Linux and open-source software, marked by both exciting advancements and alarming setbacks. We dive into the highs and lows experienced in the open-source world, focusing on five significant developments that define the narrative of this year.

1. Open Source vs. Corporate Greed: A Troubling Trend

Despite the widespread recognition of the pivotal role of open-source software in modern development—where a staggering 96% of all codebases incorporate it—a growing number of companies are abandoning their roots for profit-driven models. This alarming trend sees numerous organizations adopting semipropietary licenses such as the Server Side Public License (SSPL) and the Business Source License (BSL) 1.1. Notable names following this path include Cockroach Labs, MongoDB, and Elastic.

Furthermore, companies like GitButler and Sentry have delayed open-source releases, promising to eventually publish their code but leaving many developers in limbo. WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg has ignited controversy by pressing WP-Engine for a profit-sharing agreement based on trademark usage, stirring the pot of debates around the fundamental principles of open-source. A chilling effect on third-party themes and plugins by WordPress raises serious questions about the integrity and future of open-source aspirations.

2. A Major Security Breach Averted: Thank You, Vigilance!

On a positive note, the open-source community dodged a significant bullet this year when Microsoft developer Andres Freund uncovered a backdoor in XZ Utils, a crucial data compression tool used in Linux. Put in place by a malicious actor, this vulnerability had the potential to threaten millions of systems. The incident emphasizes the continuing need for rigorous code reviews in open-source projects to safeguard against sophisticated threats.

The OpenSSF’s Open Source Consumption Manifesto is becoming a cornerstone for enhancing security practices and ensuring the longevity of open-source integrity. As reliance on these systems increases, so does the necessity for robust security frameworks.

3. CentOS’ Curtain Call: The Rise of New Distributions

In 2024, the fallout from Red Hat’s withdrawal of support for CentOS fueled the rise of several viable replacements like AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, securing their place as stable, community-focused alternatives. Users who once turned to CentOS for their enterprise needs now find solace in these distributions, which have matured to fill the gap left by CentOS with reliability and community backing.

SUSE Linux is also making waves with its own distribution, Liberty Linux, while Red Hat itself continues to thrive under IBM’s patronage. Notably, Red Hat has seen significant growth since its acquisition by IBM, with each segment of its business, including OpenShift and Ansible, experiencing year-over-year growth. It's becoming increasingly clear that Red Hat is an indispensable pillar of IBM’s profitability.

4. The Entangled Dance of AI and Open Source

As AI technologies escalate, so does the interplay between these advancements and open-source principles. While companies like IBM prioritize open-source models, others remain reluctant to share their technology adequately. The controversies surrounding the Open Source AI Definition illustrate the contentious landscape faced by the AI community when trying to reconcile profit motives with open-source ideals.

Nonetheless, open-source frameworks like Hugging Face Transformers and PyTorch are the backbone that supports the development of AI tools we rely on daily. As AI continues to evolve, the fusion of open-source methodologies and innovative intelligence will remain a focal point of discussion.

5. 20 Years in the Making: Real-Time Linux Finally Joins the Party

In a significant milestone, the Real-Time Linux (PREEMPT_RT) finally made its way into the mainline kernel. This advance opens doors for applications requiring time-critical processing, enhancing reliability over speed for sectors like industrial automation and healthcare. As the demand grows for systems that can handle precise timing, we expect an influx of real-time devices incorporating Linux.

Conclusion

The trends of 2024 reveal both challenges and opportunities within the open-source ecosystem. As we move forward, the hope is for harmonization of security, ethical corporate behavior, and open collaboration that retains the foundational principles of open-source software. Stay tuned as we continue to explore what the future may hold!