Open Source in Telecom

The use of open source software has historically been viewed with some caution in telecom, but that is changing rapidly. Under the auspices of the Linux Foundation and others, open source software initiatives have gained new levels of respectability among telcos and vendors. But not all open source software is the same, and users in telecom especially should be alert to the pros and cons of investing time and effort in an initiative.

In this Research Note, we look at the different forms of open source in telecom, some historical examples (including ONAP), and the distinct domains where it has more (or less) traction. We also provide a set of criteria that CSPs and vendors can use to evaluate any given initiative against, and so make an informed decision about committing time and resources.

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