Verizon is no stranger to open source with mature processes already in place, yet the complexity and sheer scale of Verizon’s operations mean it can be a challenging undertaking. In this episode, Dirk Hohndel, Head of Open Source Program Office (OSPO) at Verizon,  talks about working within Verizon’s OSPO, and the challenges and opportunities of open source. He says, “I typically say I like challenges, and I like working in companies that have a scale that creates interesting problems and interesting opportunities.”

The challenges and opportunities of working at Verizon OSPO

• Hohndel discusses his transition to Head of OSPO at Verizon, explaining that it has taken time to learn the company, understand his role, and to figure out how to create change within the organization.
• Hohndel admits he likes challenges and large enterprises offer the scale of interesting problems and opportunities he is looking for.
• Like other large companies, Verizon is complex and has mature processes for handling open source with many experienced engineers. Hohndel discusses the challenges of transitioning institutional practices to more modern approaches.
• Hohndel highlights the vast scale of Verizon’s operations, such as their 65,000 data centers in cell towers, and the potential for impactful change.

The role of Verizon’s OSPO and how it differs from Intel and VMware

• In the telco industry, many technologies such as 5G are based on open standards and collaborative efforts.
• Hohndel emphasizes the need to balance using open-source software and developing proprietary solutions tailored to specific network needs and customer interactions. Their primary focus is maintaining the most reliable network.
• Hohndel explains how his role as Head of the Verizon OSPO differs from his previous positions at Intel and VMware.
• While Intel and VMware are heavily focused on open source to drive hardware and software sales, Verizon is focused on selling connectivity services.
• The OSPO at Verizon emphasizes the use of viable open source projects, maintaining security, and ensuring compliance rather than creating new open source projects.
• Hohndel emphasizes Verizon’s strong engineering and compliance culture, grounded in commitment to its values. Verizon’s credo includes running towards disasters to provide essential services.

Why license changes in open-source projects are not a solution

• Hohndel discusses his concerns for projects led by single companies, especially those facing financial pressures who change their open source licenses. He believes these changes often result in competitors emerging from the community.
• Hohndel talks about Valkey’s recent forking following a license change and his belief that both Valkey and OpenTofu will thrive under the foundation’s guidance.
• Changing licenses to solve business problems is often misguided. Hohndel hopes the recent trend of successful forks sends a clear message to companies about the risks of alienating their communities.

The challenges of open-source technology and its opportunities

• Hohndel believes mixing technology and politics is dangerous, emphasizing the human suffering in conflicts like those in Palestine and Ukraine over technological debates.
• Open source software forms the backbone of modern technology and creates a level playing field globally. Hohndel feels that open source can help mitigate the impact of geopolitical conflicts by ensuring access to essential software worldwide.
• Hohndel discusses the duality of artificial intelligence (AI), acknowledging the hype surrounding it while also recognizing its transformative potential. He highlights its ability to assist with tasks and improve efficiency for knowledge workers.
• Hohndel emphasizes that even with all the challenges companies are facing there is nonetheless optimism.

Guest: Dirk Hohndel (LinkedIn)
Organization: Verizon (Twitter)
Show: Let’s Talk

This summary was written by Emily Nicholls.