Open Source, Offshoring and Project Managers
IT Project Managers, especially those in the offshoring space need to observe trends shaping up in the industry, especially the ones that impact their clients. [consulting 101: try to stay a step ahead of your clients and you can “wow” them]
One such trend is the evolution of Open Source development paradigms, especially the proliferation of open source tools and technologies. A couple of years ago, in my avatar of a technology columnist, I had written about “Managing open source projects.” I also examined the topic in further detail in my recently published book when I examine aspects of “External landscape and Offshoring Management” that Technology Managers need to watch out for.
Given this landscape, I shouldn’t have been entirely surprised to read the Wall Street Journal report this week that Microsoft will announce a partnership with Novell and will help promote Linux. However, the article and subsequent articles in the media caught my attention for several reasons. For instance Daniel Lyons in Forbes.com article quotes Larry McVoy, former Unix engineer at Sun Microsystems who was deeply involved in the creation of the Linux kernel stating "But its (Microsoft's ) infrastructure code and its applications are great. I would pay twice as much per seat for a combined Linux-Microsoft operating system as I would for pure Microsoft."
Now, I don’t bring up the topic to debate the merits of Microsoft or Linux operating system but to highlight the dynamics that IT managers will have to face. Especially as CTOs and Technology Leaders are starting to examine the impact of this move.
Project Managers have an opportunity to be ahead of the curve by learning a few basics of Open Source management, licensing in the corporate context and some overview of the popular tools and players in the space.
I could go on….but you get the drift; right?!
