By LF Energy recently sponsored a report titled “Software-Defined Vertical Industries: Transformation Through Open Source”. We invited Alex Thornton, Executive Director of LF Energy, to discuss the idea behind this report and its findings. “The main idea is to take the concept of open source and make it tangible for folks who work in a variety of vertical industries, whether in energy or finance or automotive,” said Thornton. He noted that for those who aren’t technologists or software developers, it can be challenging to grasp how open source software impacts their specific industries.
This report illustrates the impact of open source on specific sectors or industries. Additionally, our discussion covered both the advantages of adopting open source and the risks associated with not utilizing it.
📹 Going on record for 2026? We're recording the TFiR Prediction Series through mid-February. If you have a bold take on where AI Infrastructure, Cloud Native, or Enterprise IT is heading—we want to hear it. [Reserve your slot
Open source adoption in various industries, including telecom, logistics, and energy
- Over the past 10-15 years, telecom companies have undergone a significant shift, moving from physical switches with large cables to software-defined infrastructure.
- Thornton explains that this change has been profound, with open-source technology playing a crucial role in this transformation.
- Thornton adds that about 70% of global cell phone subscribers now use networks powered by one of the Linux Foundation’s open-source networking projects.
- Thornton explains that open source software defined networking projects have transformed telecom, impacting industries beyond just telecom.
- Open source strategy is elevated to boardroom level as digital transformation grows.
Open source adoption in energy industry, challenges and growth
- Thornton points out that open source provides flexibility, transparency, and security benefits.
- Thornton adds that vendor lock-in and cyber security risks are concerns without open source.
- Open source can democratize standards, remove complexity, and create a level playing field.
- Thornton explains that open source complements the standards process by providing working code, reducing duplication, and fostering innovation.
- Thornton talks about how the EV charging interoperability project sees great traction with 75 active contributors.
- Thornton goes on to add that the energy industry is conservative, averse to risk, but the company is working with champions to grow influence.
Guest: Alex Thornton (LinkedIn)
Organization: LF Energy (Twitter)
Show: Let’s Talk
