Open source software
Open source software (OSS) has become an important part of many enterprise IT strategies, and OSS products are available to support a wide range of IT needs. Products such as Linux, Apache, Ubuntu, MySQL and Firefox are widely used. We look at the latest trends and technologies.
-
News
21 May 2025
Red Hat touts OpenShift Virtualization momentum
Enterprises are increasingly adopting Red Hat’s OpenShift Virtualization, driven by Broadcom’s VMware licensing changes and a desire for a stable, AI-ready platform, company executives revealed at the Red Hat Summit this week Continue Reading
-
News
07 May 2025
Bill Gates hails ‘stunning’ AI progress, urges focus on global equality
The Microsoft co-founder underscored AI’s transformative potential in healthcare, education and agriculture while highlighting the need to ensure its benefits reach lower-income nations Continue Reading
-
News
16 Nov 2016
UK almost bottom of OECD pile for ICT investment
The UK ranks low in terms of how much it invests in the ICT infrastructure as a proportion of GDP Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
01 Nov 2016
The future of connected cars
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we examine how software is reshaping the car industry, with internet-connected cars presenting challenges and opportunities for the sector. IT suppliers are putting up prices in the UK as the value of the pound falls – we look at the implications. And Eurostar’s digital chief talks about overhauling IT to meet demanding passenger expectations. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Oct 2016
Open source no longer scares the enterprise
Open source breaks the rules on corporate procurement, but developers never play by the rules and now open source has sneaked in through the back door Continue Reading
-
News
25 Oct 2016
Australian IT spending to be near A$85bn in 2017
Australian CIOs must plan digital platforms that can connect to customer and business networks – or risk losing customers Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
25 Oct 2016
25 years of Linux
In this week’s Computer Weekly, 25 years after Linus Torvalds released the Linux kernel, we look at how the open-source operating system has influenced modern-day IT. Our new buyer’s guide covers the fast growing technology of object storage. And we examine the rise of corporate wireless networking. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
18 Oct 2016
Singapore aims to become a digital leader
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how the city-state of Singapore is investing in skills and technology to become a leading digital nation – and what the UK could learn. We examine how to prevent legacy IT becoming a hindrance to digital transformation. And we look at the impact of controversial new tax rules on the UK’s IT contractor community. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Oct 2016
How Linux has influenced modern IT
On 25 August 1991, Linus Torvalds released the Linux kernel. We look at how the open source operating system has evolved in the last quarter of a century Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
04 Oct 2016
How Microsoft aims to tackle information overload
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we hear from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella about how the software giant wants to use cloud, machine learning and innovative datacentre technologies to open up access to information. Our new buyer’s guide looks at the emerging trend of network function virtualisation. And we examine the role of blockchain in cloud data security. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
22 Sep 2016
Computer Weekly 50th anniversary special
It’s been 50 years since Computer Weekly's launch on 22 September 1966. To mark this achievement, we have compiled a special edition of the magazine to reflect on how much the British technology industry has contributed over that time – and, of course, to celebrate our role in keeping IT professionals in touch with those developments – week-in, week-out, for half a century. Read this 100-page anniversary special now. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Sep 2016
Bank IT spending to hit $241bn across four major global regions
IT spending across four major economic regions will increase by around 4% in 2016, but Europe is the least certain Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
23 Aug 2016
Projected gains: Odeon and UCI cinemas adopt hybrid cloud
In this issue, we profile Odeon and UCI Cinemas Group’s use of hybrid cloud as part of a digital transformation programme aimed at enhancing customer experience and staving off competition from on-demand streaming. We also look at the summertime game of musical chairs at the Government Digital Service, and at 50 years of business software. Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
16 Aug 2016
Barriers to UK datacentre expansion
A TechUK survey has found that the UK tech sector’s confidence of growth over the next two years has dropped by 23 points, due to Brexit. In this week’s issue, we look at how Asian investors are pulling out of datacentre investments. According to datacentre analyst Broadgroup, these investors have been quite spooked by the Brexit vote. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
26 Jul 2016
Olympic vision: Technology on track for Rio Games
In this issue, we interview the CIO for the forthcoming Rio Olympics. The technology his team has put in place will support delegations from more than 200 countries, including 10,500 athletes. We also look at datacentre and open source security, as well as take a first look at what the new UK prime minister’s approach might be to the digital economy. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
19 Jul 2016
Building big ideas in banking
In this issue, we visit JP Morgan’s European software development centre in Glasgow to see how the investment bank is working with local universities and collaborating in the open source community. Software chief Stephen Flaherty talks about how JP Morgan uses open source software and has now begun contributing to open source projects. The bank uses NoSQL and OpenStack technologies and is pushing the limits of Hadoop to power risk applications, enabling it to achieve near real-time risk analysis of a trade. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jul 2016
Case study: Inside JP Morgan's Glasgow developer centre
JP Morgan chief development officer Stephen Flaherty heads a team of developers in Glasgow, one of the bank's strategic hubs Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
21 Jun 2016
Will Brexit spell disaster for UK IT?
In this week’s Computer Weekly, as the UK prepares to vote on membership of the EU, we take a detailed look at the effect a possible Brexit could have on the UK technology sector – and hear why experts fear that leaving the EU would be disastrous for IT professionals. Authors Don and Alex Tapscott explain the impact of blockchain technology on CIOs. And we look at the growth of consumer tech in enterprise IT. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 Jun 2016
NoSQL database technology finds use cases, but still minority sport
From managing water meter data, through Bitcoin and video data, to web publishing, NoSQL database technology is finding real use cases. But it's likely to be stuck at 10% of the market for some time Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
07 Jun 2016
Apple lures open source developers with Swift
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at Apple’s plan to woo open source developers to its Swift programming language. DevOps practitioners are warning of growing stress on IT operations staff through the growth of continuous development practices. And the CIO at high street optician Specsavers tells us why the store is a vital part of digital retailing. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
25 May 2016
Digital Catapult creates open source permissions platform to track creative IP
The Digital Catapult innovation centre launches an open permissions platform to allow creatives to track where their content has been used Continue Reading
-
News
20 May 2016
Why Apple is wooing open source developers with Swift
Apple is among the most closed of tech companies, yet it is serenading open source with its Swift programming language Continue Reading
-
News
05 May 2016
Gulf Air creates private cloud to support open-source big data engine
Airline is using a private cloud and open-source software to enable it to analyse social media and understand what consumers think about it Continue Reading
-
News
21 Apr 2016
UK economy faces digital divide, CBI warns
A report from the Confederation of British Industry and tech giant IBM paints a bleak picture of UK businesses' adoption (or not) of digital technologies Continue Reading
-
News
20 Apr 2016
European Commission formally objects to Google’s Android dominance
Pre-installing Google Search and Play on devices is anti-competitive and limits consumer choice, claims EC Continue Reading
-
News
16 Mar 2016
Oracle Q3 2016: cloud revenue grows, US currency strength takes toll
SaaS and PaaS combined contributed $583m in third quarter, up 57% in US dollar terms, while IaaS was down 2% in dollars to $152m Continue Reading
-
News
04 Mar 2016
Bet365 donates Erlang libraries to GitHub
The open-source initiative will help to drive adoption of the Erlang functional programming language among enterprise developers Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 Feb 2016
What are containers and microservices?
Independently deployable bits of code can be used to build agile applications. We look at some of the main players Continue Reading
-
News
05 Feb 2016
Azure’s role in Microsoft’s IoT vision
Microsoft has fleshed out its strategy to position its cloud service as a key part of the internet of things fabric with the availability of Azure IoT Hub Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
02 Feb 2016
IT down the drain – how cloud is supporting the Thames Tideway tunnel
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we examine the IT decisions behind one of the UK’s largest construction projects – the Thames Tideway sewerage tunnel – and hear why the project chose private cloud. Our latest buyer’s guide looks at containers and microservices and their effect on software architecture. And we find out what US court documents from food giant Mars tell us about Oracle’s controversial licensing policies. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jan 2016
Mars court filings reveal extent of Oracle licence probe
Court documents have revealed just how far Oracle will go to extract cash from some of its larger customers Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
19 Jan 2016
Is government surveillance going too far?
In this week’s Computer Weekly, as the UK prepares new laws on surveillance and data collection, we hear from security experts on the challenges of balancing privacy and security and their insider view on GHCQ and the NSA. We examine the growing threat of ransomware and how to tackle it. And we look at the implications of new EU data protection rules. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
11 Jan 2016
How open source is beating proprietary software
In this week’s Computer Weekly, our latest buyer’s guide assesses the impact of open source software on corporate IT and how its growth is underpinning the digital revolution. We examine the prospects for cloud in financial services as regulators give their approval. And we ask if Uber is really part of a new business model for the so-called sharing economy. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Nov 2015
Free software gains ground in the Italian public administration
Italy's Ministry of Defence is pioneering the use of open-source office productivity tools with the migration of 150,000 PCs to LibreOffice Continue Reading
-
News
02 Nov 2015
A tale of two HPs: Hewlett-Packard splits into two digital businesses
The two Hewlett-Packard (HP) businesses are both digitally aligned. HP Enterprise is pushing hybrid clouds; HP Inc is taking the road to 3D printing Continue Reading
-
News
21 Oct 2015
MySQL 5.7 aims at deeper convergence with Oracle tech and NoSQL
MySQL 5.7 has been released with next-generation hardware in mind, offering greater interoperability with Oracle and NoSQL database technologies Continue Reading
-
News
09 Oct 2015
Three technologies to drive business
Emerging technologies such as 3D printers, the internet of things and APIs will deliver new business opportunities, and CIOs are in a position to drive forward these business strategies Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
06 Oct 2015
What's on your desktop?
In this week's Computer Weekly, Microsoft has released Office 2016 and is urging customers to migrate to Windows 10 – but is a desktop upgrade worth the hassle? We report from the Dreamforce conference on the latest products from Salesforce.com. Continue Reading
-
News
02 Oct 2015
Keeping up with Cassandra, the NoSQL database
What does Call of Duty, the Hive smart thermostats, Social Weather and the William Hill bookie app all have in common? They are all powered by the Apache Cassandra NoSQL database Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
15 Sep 2015
Opening doors to open source
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at the growing acceptance of open source software among corporate IT leaders, especially for developing digital business strategies. Our latest buyer’s guide examines the emerging best practice in next-generation service management. And we find out how organisations should be preparing for the forthcoming changes to EU data protection laws. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Sep 2015
Case study: French delivery company Chronopost looks to NoSQL for big data challenge
French delivery company Chronopost is using open-source NoSQL systems to improve services and customer retention Continue Reading
-
News
10 Sep 2015
Cloudian boosts object storage HyperStore compliance features
Distributed object storage software maker Cloudian upgrades HyperStore with added granularity of data protection features that can help meet compliance requirements Continue Reading
-
News
31 Jul 2015
Commercial software more secure than open source, finds report
A study has found that commercial code is more compliant than open source code with security compliance standards, such as the Owasp top 10 and the CWE top 25 Continue Reading
-
News
22 Jul 2015
IBM steps up open-source cloud commitment to developers
Big Blue has unveiled several open-source initiatives geared towards helping developers make cloud apps Continue Reading
-
Feature
20 Jul 2015
Business cases emerge from growing pains of Hadoop 1.0
The hype around the early generation of Hadoop is giving way to the reality of business programmes based on Hadoop 2 and Apache Spark Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
06 Jul 2015
What is upstream & downstream software?
In software application development and programming, upstream refers to source code that has been posted/hosted into/onto the code repository. Continue Reading
-
News
30 Jun 2015
Top suppliers as UK software and services market approaches £50bn
The top five software and IT services firms in the UK are Capita, HP, IBM, Capgemini and Accenture, according to the latest figures from TechMarketView Continue Reading
-
Feature
24 Jun 2015
App development companies fight back against digital piracy
How can digital companies protect their IP against a tidal wave of smartphone boosted piracy? Is digital rights management software effective enough, or is it better to adapt your business model? Continue Reading
-
Feature
22 Jun 2015
Inside DevOps: How it really works
DevOps done well can lead to a continuous loop where teams plan, code, build, test, release, deploy, operate and monitor Continue Reading
-
Feature
05 Jun 2015
VMware vs OpenStack: How they handle storage
The opportunities and challenges presented by the two virtualisation environments when it comes to storage, backup and disaster recovery. Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
26 May 2015
Microservices and DevOps are changing software development
In this week's Computer Weekly, we talk to Hailo about its software development approach, which sees the taxi app use microservices and DevOps techniques. We hear from users of OpenStack, the open source cloud software, about how they are building digital businesses. And our buyer's guide looks at customer experience management. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
21 May 2015
Canonical's Mark Shuttleworth talks about space, drones and smartphones
Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Canonical, strives towards the vision of a converged handheld device Continue Reading
-
News
23 Apr 2015
Gartner: Enterprises opt for open-source and cloud middleware alternatives
Gartner has reported a bigger focus on subscription-based licensing and open-source platforms in the middleware market Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
22 Apr 2015
How to find good open source code libraries: Sourcegraph code browser
Sourcegraph aims to answer the challenge here with a search engine and code browser designed to help developers find the code they need. Continue Reading
-
Feature
15 Apr 2015
Docker storage 101: How storage works in Docker
Docker nails some of the shortcomings of virtualisation, but what about Docker container storage? Continue Reading
-
News
05 Mar 2015
Tinder cuts app crashes with Rackspace cloud database
Tinder matchmaking app turns to managed cloud provider for IT and database support Continue Reading
-
News
24 Feb 2015
ARM unleashes internet of things potential with starter kit
Chip-maker ARM has collaborated with IBM to launch the mbed IoT Starter Kit, pitched at SMEs and application developers Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
06 Feb 2015
Microsoft open sources .NET 'execution engine'
Microsoft open sources 'execution engine' for .NET Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jan 2015
Wellcome Trust builds 1,728-core grid for DNA analysis
The Wellcome Trust Centre has deployed a high-performance computing cluster based on Fujitsu servers Continue Reading
-
News
21 Jan 2015
Case study: Hedge fund AHL Man Group uses MongoDB to feed quants with data
Hedge fund AHL Man Group replaces disparate relational databases with a single data platform built on NoSQL database MongoDB Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
20 Jan 2015
What is a software forge?
As we know, use of the term "infographic" generally causes involuntary gagging and may result in unwelcome skin irritation. Continue Reading
-
Feature
06 Jan 2015
Microservices: How to prepare next-generation cloud applications
A microservice architecture promotes developing and deploying applications composed of autonomous, self-contained units Continue Reading
-
News
11 Nov 2014
Qantas puts Oracle ERP in the cloud with Tata Consultancy Services
Airline Qantas signs IT outsourcing services firm TCS to upgrade its Oracle ERP platform and move it into the cloud Continue Reading
-
News
05 Nov 2014
Government open standards - the curious case of Microsoft and the minister
What role, if any, did science minister David Willetts take in helping Microsoft try to overturn government IT policy? Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
03 Nov 2014
Enterprises push for open standards
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out about a new push led by Shell and BP to get IT vendors to agree interoperability standards for the digital age. We learn how one company is using agile development to introduce support for the bitcoin virtual currency into its IT systems. And we ask whether the cloud price wars will mean lower service levels from suppliers. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Oct 2014
Hitachi Data Systems ploughs ahead with social innovation plans
Hitachi Innovation Forum expects 16,000 delegates to share user cases on how technology is making society safer Continue Reading
-
Feature
25 Sep 2014
Q&A: MarkLogic CEO Gary Bloom talks strategy
Gary Bloom, CEO of NoSQL database supplier MarkLogic, talks to Computer Weekly about strategy Continue Reading
-
News
25 Sep 2014
Bash bug could be bigger threat than Heartbleed
A bug in the Bash command prompt software used by many Unix computers could be a greater threat than Heartbleed. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 Sep 2014
Sweden’s Klarna and Spotify design big data architectures to aid business growth
Many organisations still don't know how to capitalise on big data. Swedish firms Klarna and Spotify are making use of its possibilities Continue Reading
-
News
21 Aug 2014
Heartbleed bug linked to US hospital group hack
A security firm has linked the Community Health Systems data breach to the Heartbleed bug Continue Reading
-
News
24 Jul 2014
CIO interview: Rorie Devine, CTO, Hailo
A technology overhaul is taking place behind the scenes at cab-hailing smartphone app Hailo as the company extends its international reach Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
21 Jun 2014
Google open sources PDF rendering
Google taken its PDFium software library forward into open source project status. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Jun 2014
Interview: John Swainson, president of Dell Software
Dell Software president John Swainson's aims to make Dell Software a $5bn business Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
16 Jun 2014
The Met Office turns to open source
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out why the Met Office turned to an open source database to replace Oracle at the UK weather forecasting service. We take an in-depth look at Microsoft’s SQL Server 2014 release. And we analyse the revolutionary potential of cloud computing. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
Feature
09 Jun 2014
OpenStack storage: Cinder and Swift explained
is a rising star in private cloud infrastructures. But what about OpenStack storage? We run the rule over OpenStack Cinder and Swift Continue Reading
-
News
30 Apr 2014
Oracle updates Solaris, but is its server strategy sound?
Oracle has released a beta versdion of Solaris 11.2. But does Solaris and the Sparc server platform have a future? Continue Reading
-
News
25 Apr 2014
Heartbleed prompts tech firms to pledge open-source support
Top tech firms have joined forces to support open-source software to help prevent future bugs like Heartbleed Continue Reading
-
Feature
25 Mar 2014
Using NoSQL databases to gain competitive advantage
NoSQL is attracting growing interest from businesses - we examine three case studies: Amadeus, i2O and Temetra Continue Reading
-
Opinion
17 Feb 2014
Searching for the signal of open standards amid the growing noise of agile
For all its undeniable strengths, the use of agile in government is in danger of becoming a fetish Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
17 Feb 2014
UK IT spending will outpace rest of Europe in 2014
Computer Weekly research reveals the IT spending priorities for UK and European organisations in 2014. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Feb 2014
Met Police releases ‘Total Technology’ IT strategy
The Metropolitan Police Service has released a three to four-year plan on how to transform the use of technology in the organisation Continue Reading
-
News
31 Jan 2014
WIll open source save the datacentre industry?
IT rivals stand cheek-by-jowl to praise Facebook’s Open Compute Project, but is the love-in a Damascene conversion or just damage limitation? Continue Reading
-
News
29 Jan 2014
Microsoft joins Open Compute Project
Redmond giant makes server specs public in bid to influence future datacentre design Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jan 2014
BBC failed to get "sufficient grip” over failed DMI project, says NAO
The National Audit Office has slammed the BBC over its failed Digital Media Initiative (DMI), project saying the broadcaster was “too optimistic” and the BBC executive “did not have sufficient grip of the programme" Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
23 Dec 2013
IT at the WWF Living Planet Centre
WWF’s Living Planet Centre is one of the greenest buildings in the UK and aims to demonstrate to the public using technology how it is possible for people to live in harmony with nature Continue Reading
-
Opinion
19 Dec 2013
User acceptance testing needs real training, not just a short course
In spite of its importance, user acceptance testing (UAT) is often chaotic, problematic and ineffective Continue Reading
-
News
09 Dec 2013
DWP writes off £40m on Universal Credit but insists the IT is working
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is scrapping £40.1m of IT work on Universal Credit, and a further £91m will be written off over five years Continue Reading
-
News
05 Dec 2013
700,000 benefit claimants miss out on Universal Credit deadline
The secretary for work and pensions has admitted the Universal Credit benefit scheme will miss its 2017 deadline Continue Reading
-
Feature
11 Nov 2013
Why agile development races ahead of traditional testing
Traditional testing practices optimise large, centralised testing but struggle to support the rapid delivery of agile development. Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
11 Oct 2013
Raspberry Pi Foundation ships millionth Pi manufactured in the UK
Raspberry Pi Foundation ships millionth Pi manufactured in the UK. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Oct 2013
NHS to replace NPfIT Spine system with open-source technology
The NHS is rebuilding its Spine platform using open source software Continue Reading
-
News
27 Sep 2013
Software acquisition is risk acquisition, says industry panel
New software often means new security vulnerabilities, panel tells the (ISC)2 Security Congress 2013 Continue Reading
-
News
10 Sep 2013
CW Enterprise Software case studies
Brian McKenna presents 6 case studies on enterprise software drawn from the winners of Computer Weekly's European User Awards. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Aug 2013
Bloomberg signs up to Ubuntu Edge hybrid
Financial analytics service Bloomberg has bought into Mark Shuttleworth’s Ubuntu One vision for a hybrid PC/mobile device. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
16 Jul 2013
Why Linux is the powerhouse for big data
This is a contributed posting for the Computer Weekly Open Source Insider blog by Peter Linnell, Linux Engineer at SUSE. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Jul 2013
OpenCorporates makes company data public
Company data is being made available as part of an initiative to place more government data in the public domain Continue Reading
-
News
02 Jul 2013
NHS IT to embrace open source
A new report from NHS England promises open source will be at the heart of the plans to digitise the health service Continue Reading
-
News
13 Jun 2013
NPfIT legacy: NHS yet to spend £600m on CSC Lorenzo patient records
The NHS has still to spend £600m on CSC's Lorenzo patient record system as a legacy of the defunct National Programme for IT (NPfIT) Continue Reading
-
News
23 May 2013
Interview: Government CTO Liam Maxwell
Government CTO Liam Maxwell has driven Whitehall’s IT agenda for years, previously as deputy government CIO and director of ICT futures Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
13 May 2013
International Space Station adopts Debian Linux, drops Windows & Red Hat into airlock
In space, no one can hear you scream at the Windows 8 Metro screen. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
01 May 2013
The Great Deverticalisation – part 5: Mind the GaaP
Politicians and government have the opportunity, through the power of open platforms, to take the lead in creating modern public services Continue Reading
-
News
08 Apr 2013
Vendors form OpenDaylight Project for SDN
Networking industry's big names form OpenDaylight Project - an open source framework for SDN - under Linux Foundation’s umbrella Continue Reading