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Insights from Perforce’s State of Open Source Report

The 2025 State of Open Source Report, released by Perforce Software along with the Eclipse Foundation and the Open Source Initiative (OSI), sheds light on critical challenges faced by organizations in utilizing open-source tools for big data management. This comprehensive survey reveals a glaring lack of confidence among businesses in managing large-scale data and highlights the persistent issue of insufficient expertise in handling complex technologies.

Key Findings

The report emphasizes that while data technologies are increasingly prioritized in investments — particularly in relation to the soaring demand for AI applications — their inherent complexity remains a barrier for many enterprises. A staggering 75% of survey respondents highlighted the lack of skilled personnel as their foremost challenge when dealing with open-source databases, such as PostgreSQL, Hadoop, and Kafka. When asked to rate their confidence in their Big Data management on a scale of 1 to 5, almost 47% of participants scored between 0 and 2, indicating a significant lack of assurance.

Matthew Weier O'Phinney, Principal Product Manager at Perforce OpenLogic, noted, "Many organizations know what data they are looking for and how they want to process it but lack the in-house expertise to manage the platform itself." As a result, some organizations are compelled to migrate to commercial Big Data solutions, while others, unable to afford those options, may end up relying on junior engineers. This jeopardizes not only operational efficiency but also raises concerns regarding data privacy, scalability, and budget overruns.

The Implications of EOL Software Usage

An interesting aspect highlighted in the report is the unexpected prevalence of End of Life (EOL) software, particularly CentOS Linux, which remains in use by 40% of large enterprises. While its utilization has declined in Western regions, it still ranks as the third most popular Linux distribution globally—trailing only Ubuntu and Debian—and dominates in Asia. Consequentially, 83% of teams deploying EOL CentOS express concerns regarding security and compliance related to their deployments.

The report reveals that while 14% of all users failed compliance audits, that number soared nearly threefold for those utilizing EOL software, such as CentOS or AngularJS. Hence, organizations increasingly confront real-world risks associated with these outdated systems.

Rising Adoption of Open Source Driven by Cost Savings

Despite the challenges, cost savings remains the primary motivation for adopting open-source solutions, with figures jumping from 37% in 2024 to 53% in 2025. However, over half of the respondents reported that insufficient personnel, skill gaps, and lack of continuous support impede further open-source adoption. Specifically, 57% identified a lack of staff, 54% pointed to a shortage of skills and experience, and nearly 52% mentioned the absence of high-level, real-time support.

To counter skill shortages, half of the organizations are targeting this issue through employee training, while just under a third are recruiting external contractors. Additionally, about a quarter have chosen to partner with third-party vendors for assistance.

Gael Blondelle, Chief Membership Officer of the Eclipse Foundation, further emphasizes that “Open source is the engine driving innovation in Big Data, AI, and beyond—but adoption alone isn't enough.” For organizations to fully leverage open-source technologies, he suggests investing in personnel, establishing efficient processes, and contributing to the sustainability of technologies they depend on.

Contributions from Smaller Organizations Make a Difference

Interestingly, the report also reveals a contrast in commitment levels towards open-source contributions. Larger firms, particularly those with over 5,000 employees, are more likely to have established Open Source Program Offices (OSPOs) and generate robust Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs). Conversely, the smallest entities, with 20 or fewer employees, are leading contributions to open-source projects and foundations.

Stefano Maffulli, Executive Director at the OSI, remarks, “The State of Open Source Report demonstrates that big enterprises are not necessarily more mature when it comes to their open-source strategy.” This serves as an encouraging reminder that organizations, regardless of size, are committed not only to the consumption of open-source technology but also to giving back by contributing code and supporting OSS initiatives.

Conclusion

The findings in Perforce's report underscore the gaps in confidence and capability across organizations in handling Big Data management effectively. While the momentum towards open-source adoption is palpable, the underlying challenges related to skills and support must be addressed to unlock the full potential of these innovations in data technology. To learn more about the details of this critical report, individuals can sign up for the upcoming webinar set to take place on April 30th, which promises expert insights and discussions regarding the future of open-source technologies in mission-critical infrastructures.

For more information and access to the full report, visit Perforce today.