DEVOPSdigest

Open source is open for business.

Open source technologies are permeating every aspect of business operations and digital transformations. They are integral to mission-critical functionality.

According to a recent survey from NodeSource, 91 percent of enterprise software developers believe new companies will be created from today's open source projects. Furthermore, 28 percent said that a surge in IPOs for open source companies is very likely, with 79 percent who think it is at least somewhat likely.

Regarding what the survey participants are seeing in the marketplace, Node.js, a JavaScript application runtime built on Google Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine, was the most-chosen option for open source projects, with 74 percent of respondents expecting new Node companies to appear in the market. While a majority favored Node.js, Docker came in closely behind at 51 percent, and 22 percent expect more MongoDB companies to enter the market.

Node.js Popular with Enterprise Software Developers

Most of NodeSource's survey respondents said they've been using Node.js for three to four years, which means the open source project is maintaining a solid base of experienced users.

As Node.js enters new markets and continues to attract new enterprise software developers, it's possible there will be enough experienced talent to train and help new developers grow the Node.js ecosystem.

Experience with Node.js can also increase hiring, according to the survey. An additional 89 percent of respondents said using Node.js in their projects increases hiring, whereas 62 percent of respondents said Docker usage increases hiring as well.

Node.js Projects Gaining Momentum

The DevOps Runtime of Choice
While Docker was deemed the second highest in-demand tech in the survey, almost double the next closest technology, none of the other technologies were cited as nearly as important by the respondents, except for Node.js. The findings illustrate that Node.js is emerging as the runtime of choice for DevOps, because Node.js enables enterprises to be operationally efficient, fast-to-market and fast-in-the market.

The survey also highlights the Node.js community's efforts to enhance and expand the Node.js ecosystem and its value to the enterprise.

The BOSS Index Confirms Rise of Node.js Adoption
Further confirmation of Node.js' momentum is Node.js ranking fourth in the Battery Open Source Software Index (BOSS Index), which evaluates and ranks 40 open source projects. In the BOSS Index, Node.js followed Git and MySQL but ranked ahead of Docker, Hadoop and Spark.

Linux still topped the index in the category of IT operations, but big tech companies like Netflix, Walmart and Mastercard are currently relying on Node.js to deliver their digital experiences.

Open Source in and Outside of the Office

Respondents in NodeSource's survey were also asked about where they use open source software the most. Almost 90 percent said that they use open source for both personal and professional projects. Just a little over 20 percent of respondents use open source software in academic projects.

Open source software has moved away from novelty side projects and part-time or personal work, evolving into a technology that's being adopted and maintained at the enterprise level, especially for business operations and digital transformation projects. This is powerful validation for those that contribute to and help maintain today's critical open source projects.