More enterprises using open source to gain a competitive edge

Gartner study reveals IT chiefs' growing trust in open-source software

IT chiefs are increasingly turning to open-source software to help create a competitive advantage for the business, according to new research from Gartner.

The analyst company found that more than half of all businesses it surveyed are now using open-source software - and not because it is the cheap option, but because it helps provide an edge for their business.

"If they can customise the code to make it unique to their company, they have created a competitive advantage," said Laurie Wurster, research director at Gartner.

Open-source software appears to be reaching a tipping point in the enterprise, with a fifth of organisations using it consistently in all departments, according to Gartner. Nearly half use open source in specific departments and for projects.

"With greater in-depth understanding and access to the necessary skill sets, end-user organisations will continue to find new deployment of [open source]," said Wurster.

The Gartner survey - based on interviews with more than 550 IT chiefs from across the globe - is in line with research published by IT consultancy Accenture last year.

Its survey of 300 large enterprises in the UK found that 38 per cent expected to migrate mission-critical software to open-source versions within 12 months.