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