#Japan #Naha #LOGIQ #Unchained Stack #vendor lock-in

The Rise of Unchained Stack Foundation: Addressing Vendor Lock-In

In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, the threat of vendor lock-in has become a pressing concern for many organizations. Recent events, such as Broadcom's acquisition of VMware and the sudden cost hikes associated with licensing changes from companies like Oracle, have led to a tightening grip on IT choices for businesses worldwide. Recognizing this urgent issue, LOGIQ Inc. has established the Unchained Stack Foundation (USF), aimed at making vendor lock-in structures transparent and facilitating a smooth transition from proprietary software to open-source alternatives.

What is the Unchained Stack Foundation?

The USF is an international non-profit organization designed to share knowledge about migrating from commercial software to open-source solutions. The foundation's mission is to systematize the ‘vendor migration know-how’ that has been largely confined to specific individuals and vendors, making it accessible to all.

The Founding Members

Along with LOGIQ, several companies have joined as founding members, including Sios Technology, Ryomo Systems, Confidential Services, and InfiniCloud. Each of these organizations shares the belief in the necessity of promoting vendor independence in IT infrastructure choices. In an official statement from Cutting Edge Technology, the foundational members emphasized the importance of diversity and flexibility in selecting technology to foster innovation and growth.

Chain Depth: A New Metric

One of the key contributions from the USF is the introduction of Chain Depth™, a metric to evaluate how tightly different software solutions connect users to their vendors. This metric assesses the technology, contractual, and operational dimensions of vendor ties.
1. Technical Aspects: Evaluating if a solution adheres to industry standards or if transitioning to other products would be complex due to compatibility issues.
2. Contractual Factors: Considering long-term commitments and penalties that hinder mobility.
3. Operational Factors: Investigating if specific vendor environments are mandatory or if specialized knowledge limits user choices.

Leadership and Vision

At the helm of the USF is CEO Tomihito Kirihata from LOGIQ, who expressed a strong desire for a future where businesses can choose their IT infrastructure freely, thereby enhancing global economic competitiveness. He remarked on the challenges faced by businesses experiencing sudden cost burdens due to vendor policies, making it crystal clear that fostering a neutral ground for technology discussions is essential.

Future PlansTo further its objectives, the USF plans to roll out an array of enhancements:

• - Multi-language chapters to support global discussions.
• - Chain Depth™ rankings for enterprise software.
• - A library of OSS and commercial templates for comparison.
• - A certification program based on the Chain Depth™ metric.
• - A repository for vendor migration know-how along with template submission functionality.

Membership and Community Engagement

The USF invites organizations to join as Founding or Contributing Members, supporting the foundation’s goals of knowledge sharing and strategic development. By becoming a member, organizations can actively participate in shaping the future of IT infrastructure by contributing to discussions and resources essential for a sustainable economic environment.

As the landscape of IT continues to shift, the Unchained Stack Foundation represents a crucial step toward safeguarding the freedom of choice that organizations need to thrive in a competitive market. Its ongoing initiatives will lead to significant changes in how companies manage their IT infrastructure, securing a brighter, more open software future for all.