Dirk Hohndel, Chief Open Source Officer at VMware, sat down recently with Software Engineering Daily to talk through the history and evolution of open source. This podcast reflects on where it all started and presents an enthusiastic view of the possibilities.
Code chunks categorized as best-practices predated even Linux, which is typically recognized as the start of the open source movement. The desire to create an unbreakable kernel by Linus Torvalds, in almost opposition to the marketplace strongholds, started as a hobby. What he created, and invited others to participate in, took on a life of its own.
While Dirk is humble about his influence on the server competitive landscape, history was made when he joined Intel to deliver Linux to x86. Climbing from a single digit to a 90% market share, x86 dominates today’s landscape.
When challenged to identify the next big “Linux-like” project, Dirk laughs broadly. Kubernetes has hit a recent chord and answered great questions. Dirk believes this to be due in part to its original lack of ties to revenue, vis-a-vis Linux. Kubernetes solved a problem that is extremely useful to cross-industry business. Listen in to hear where Dirk takes a stand.
Stay tuned to the Open Source Blog and follow us on Twitter (@vmwopensource) for information on all the latest open source projects coming out of VMware.
