Scenarios on Adoption of Open Source Software in the Communications Software Industry

We examine the trends and developments affecting the adoption of open source software in the communications software industry. Based on expert interviews and scenario analysis, four alternative and possibly co-existing scenarios are derived. The analysis suggests that communication service providers will mostly deploy open source software in infrastructure software. Alternative developments include use of open source software in launching new services and in cloud computing. The present study is relevant particularly for technology managers considering open source strategies.