Why Open Source is the Smart Choice for Enterprises
For many years, open source was seen as the underdog; powerful but unpolished, and too unpredictable for enterprise use. That view is no longer tenable, and thankfully, to a large extent, no longer the case.
Today, open source is the foundation for everything from cloud infrastructure and machine learning to content management and e-commerce. Microsoft, once one of its loudest critics, is now one of its largest contributors. Docker, GitHub, and Linux are cornerstones of modern development. And Umbraco has been open source for 20 years, long before it was a safe bet.
This isn’t a trend. It’s a strategic realignment toward openness, control, and sustainability.
A magnet for developer talent
The best developers are not just looking for a job. They are looking for ownership, responsibility, and the ability to shape the tools they work with. Open source offers that.
It gives your team access to modern practices, a global community, and the chance to go beyond the confines of vendor documentation. When developers can inspect and adapt code, contribute to improvements, or get help from real-world users and peers instead of vendor support alone, they grow faster, solve problems more efficiently, and feel a stronger connection to their work. The 2023 State of the Octoverse study by GitHub concluded that developers who contribute to open-source projects learn 87% more than those who study alone. Open source really can be a classroom for developing talent.
That improves productivity and retention. In today’s hiring market, that is a serious advantage.
Security through transparency
Security in open source is often misunderstood. Yes, the source code is open, but that is exactly the point.
Unlike proprietary software, which relies on private audits and undisclosed fixes, open source is continuously reviewed by a wide community of developers and security researchers. Vulnerabilities are more likely to be discovered and fixed quickly. Your team is not left waiting for patches or dependent on someone else's schedule.
Most importantly, you can verify what is running in your environment. Whether for compliance, due diligence, or internal peace of mind, the ability to audit the code provides assurance that most closed software simply can’t match.
Flexibility, full control, and fewer surprises
Open source does not guarantee complete freedom, but it creates more room to move than closed systems.
When you have access to the code, you are not limited by strict APIs or locked features. You can integrate systems on your own terms, create custom functionality, and troubleshoot deeply when needed. That flexibility benefits both innovation and your budget. With fewer vendors constraints, you can choose the tools that suit your needs at a price that makes sense.
This does not mean you are entirely independent of others. Open-source projects still have roadmaps, and maintaining your own fork carries responsibility. But when you need to act, the access is there. For many enterprises, that is a valuable safety net.
It’s not about “free” - It’s about freedom
Open source is often associated with “free software,” but the true value lies in freedom. Freedom to adapt, to move fast, and to avoid the hidden costs of dependency.
The software is often free to use under a permissive license. But putting it into production still requires skill, time, and investment. The difference is that you decide how to invest and where.
This also means using open source responsibly. That can mean contributing code, sponsoring development, paying for support, or staying engaged in the community. Long-term success depends on participation, not just adoption. Supporting the projects that we rely upon to create solutions is the best way to help ensure that the tool that is crucial to your success has the longevity that you require.
Truly investing in Open Source is not about cutting corners. It is about building on open, adaptable foundations and having the freedom to decide how to grow.
Open at the Core, Backed by a Business
Umbraco is trusted by thousands of companies and supported by a global community of developers, contributors, and partners.
At the same time, we understand what organizations and enterprises need. This is why we can count Mercedes, Vista Bank, Renault, and many more amongst our clients. They look for guarantees, support, and a roadmap that aligns with their goals. This is why Umbraco is not just a project. It is a platform backed by a stable, profitable business.
You get the freedom and flexibility of open source, without losing the reassurance of a stable partner.
Open source isn’t the risky choice. It’s the resilient one.