Data is undeniably the driving force behind today’s technology-driven world, and ‘open’ is the latest buzzword making waves in the space. But what does this trend really mean for businesses?
What does “open” actually mean?
While “open” is a word that is used a lot in the data and development world, it’s not always clear what it means. More generally, “open” refers to data that is freely available for anyone to use, share, and build upon. But many also see it as just “open source,” which can be limiting and misleading.
Ultimately, each vendor chooses what part of their solution will be closed or open source, meaning the definition varies considerably. This lack of clarity can create problems for companies trying to make decisions based on their individual needs. While vendors may appear open, you often have to dig beneath the surface and look at real customer experiences to see what it means in practice. Does “open” really mean “free”? Or is it another kind of restriction?
Companies need to be clear about the balance between closed and open they are willing to accept. When suppliers and companies are on the same page, they can leverage robust ecosystems, reduce costs, and retain the power to innovate without supplier constraints.
Systems engineer at Dremio.
The true value of openness
At its core, the concept of openness helps companies reduce the costs of switching between suppliers. It emphasizes the importance of a diverse ecosystem where customers can choose compatible solutions tailored to their individual business needs, while recognizing that no single supplier can meet all of their changing requirements.
A dynamic ecosystem of solutions will ultimately give the business and their customers what they want. A single vendor simply cannot solve all of your business needs and problems, but the meaning of ‘open’ should allow businesses to easily adapt to changing technologies and market conditions.
Additionally, an open approach encourages innovation by allowing companies to use third-party solutions and collaborate with different partners. This can provide a competitive advantage and accelerate the development of new features and services.
Evolving Lock-In Tactics
Previously, companies used proprietary platform solutions that were essentially closed source and characterized by their limited access and exclusivity. The shift to metadata catalogs represents a strategic move toward greater flexibility and reduced vendor lock-in. But again, it is not completely open. By requiring the use of their specific metadata catalogs to access their data, these companies establish control without directly managing their customers’ data assets. Open metadata, however, facilitates an open environment where customers are not constrained by a single vendor ecosystem.
Technology companies are increasingly building extensive ecosystems around their services, creating a high degree of dependency on their integrated tools, applications, and platforms. This movement toward extended ecosystems can sometimes conflict with the principles of open data. Integrating open standards within these ecosystems can help bridge the gap, enabling a degree of openness and compatibility while maintaining the benefits of a cohesive and integrated system. However, for some, this may not achieve the level of openness they desire.
Organizations can no longer lock customers into data file formats, nor use other lock-in strategies such as restricting customers from creating and manipulating that data. While proprietary platforms, controlled metadata catalogs, and extensive ecosystems offer varying degrees of integration, they often deviate from the ideals of openness that emphasize transparency and broad accessibility.
Understanding what ‘open’ really means in each individual circumstance and for each business helps to avoid hidden lock-ins and ensures that organisations benefit from agility and innovation. Openness means more than just access to technology; it encompasses the ability to integrate seamlessly, adapt to change and avoid being constrained by a single vendor ecosystem.
By prioritizing openness, companies can remain agile, respond effectively to market shifts, and reduce the costs associated with switching technologies or vendors. This approach creates a dynamic environment where companies can leverage a wide range of solutions and innovations without being locked into a single vendor. It also facilitates smoother transitions and integrations, allowing organizations to adapt their tools and processes as their needs evolve.
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