The Role of FOSS in the Software/IT Sector

Case Studies from Indian Companies

The Great FOSS Shift: India’s Open Source Story

About This Study

  • Comprehensive analysis of FOSS adoption across multiple sectors in India, with detailed case studies of organizations

  • Semi-structured interviews with key personnel from 16 organizations across different sectors and organization types

  • 5 case studies: Dhiway (startup), Tech4Good Community (non-profit), Remiges (medium), Thoughtworks (large), and NxtGen (datacenter & cloud)

Case Study: Dhiway

  • Focus: Blockchain and Web 3.0 Solutions

  • FOSS Approch:

  • Core product CORD is an enterprise-grade blockchain approved by OSI as open source
  • Founders previously worked at Red Hat, shaping their FOSS-centric approach
  • Contributes to code, bug-fixing, and documentation
  • Engages with groups that write protocols and specifications like WCAG

"A firm like Microsoft is now sponsoring FOSS projects. This is a testament to FOSS as a preferred model to deliver software and content."

 - Sankarshan Mukhopadhyay, VP,

Customer Experience, Dhiway

Thoughtworks

  • Focus: Global software consultancy with deep FOSS roots.

  • FOSS Approch:

  • Ranked among top 25 contributors to GitHub by the Open Source Contributor Index

  • Developed popular tools like Selenium, CruiseControl, and Mingle

  • Contributed to 14 Digital Public Goods, including Bahmni (hospitalmanagement system)

  • Provides long-term support to open-source projects.

  • Mentors start-ups and NGOs in adopting FOSS solutions.

REMIGES

  • Focus: Open-source product innovation.

  • FOSS Approch:

  • Building enterprise-ready versions of FOSS tools.

  • Enhancing collaboration tools like Focalboard & Mattermost plugins.

  • Provides enterprise support models for FOSS adoption.

  • Contributes code, bug fixes, and documentation to upstream projects.

  • Bridges the gap between start-ups and enterprise FOSS use cases.

"Software should be open so that others can build on top of what I have done, and I can build on what others have done."

- Shuvam Misra, Founder-Chairman, Remiges

NXTGEN

  • Focus: Cloud solutions & datacenter services.

  • FOSS Approch:

  • Uses open-source virtualization (KVM, OpenStack) for cloud services.

  • Developed hybrid cloud platforms based on open standards.

  • Provides cloud services at prices 80% lower than large providers thanks to FOSS

  • Builds resilient, scalable infra using open-source orchestration tools (Kubernetes, Docker).

  • Provides training & community adoption of open cloud stacks.

"We would choose to use FOSS 10 out of 10 times."

    - Abhisyant Anasapurapu, Head of Product Development, NxtGe

TECH4GOOD

  • Focus: Social impact via technology.

  • FOSS Approch:

  • Creates FOSS-based solutions for NGOs, social enterprises, and rural communities.

  • Builds accessible digital platforms for governance and welfare.

  • Offers low-cost, open digital infrastructure for social impact projects.

  • Encourages youth and volunteers to contribute to social FOSS projects.

  • Strengthens digital public goods ecosystem in India.

"Freedom to make changes comes at a price."

- Akhila Somanath, Co-founder and Chief Growth Officer, T4GC

Key Benefits of FOSS in Software/IT Sector

  • Cost Effectiveness

  • Customization

  • Freedom from Vendor Lock-in

  • Enhanced Security

Key Challenges of FOSS in Software/IT Sector

Project Fragmentation

  • Internal disagreements within project teams can cause splits into multiple versions

Regulatory Compliance

  • Financial institutions require formal support contracts and liability acceptance

Skilled Personnel

  • Shortage of developers proficient in FOSS technologies

Maintenance Burden

  • Organizations are solely responsible for ensuring performance, uptime, and resolving issues

 

Recommendations for Policy Makers

  • Modify procurement guidelines to make FOSS solutions mandatory when available

  • Provide grants to encourage contributions to specific FOSS projects

  • Incorporate FOSS into education curriculum

  • Establish Open Source Program Offices (OSPOs) in government

  • Release all government-funded software under open licenses

Any Questions

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