LINUX FOUNDATION RESEARCH

We’re investigating the impact of open source collaboration to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.

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About LF Research

LF Research publishes actionable and decision-useful insights into open source software, hardware, standards, and data based on empirical research methodologies. Through leveraging community networks, project databases, surveys, and qualitative findings, and through its commitment to best practices in primary research, Linux Foundation Research is the definitive home for data-driven insights into open source for the benefit of governments, enterprises, and society at large.

ROI for Open Source Software Contribution

What is the benefit of contributing to open source? In this study, LF Research has tackled this question through the analysis of results from a survey and quantitative model on contribution ROI. 

 

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ROI for Open Source Software Contribution

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What is the benefit of contributing to open source?
 
In this study, LF Research has tackled this question through the analysis of results from a survey and quantitative model on contribution ROI. Findings show that organizations spend hundreds of thousands of dollars maintaining private forks or developing internal workarounds, while those who choose to contribute upstream experience faster responses to security issues, increased development speeds, and easier talent retention. Reported benefit-to-cost ratios from OSS contributions are 2-5x on average, and the model estimates that contributing organizations yield a 6x ROI from their investments.
 
Read more about how investment in OSS contributions is a strategic advantage for organizations.
 
Authors
  • Sam Boysel, the Linux Foundation
  • Adrienn Lawson, the Linux Foundation
  • Forewords by Chris Aniszczyk, CNCF, Linux Foundation; Masato Endo, Toyota; and Hillarie Prestopine, Intel
 
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