Almost four out of every five businesses rely on open source technology
The digital landscape in Germany is evolving, and open-source software is playing a significant role in this transformation. According to the Open Source Monitor 2025, a comprehensive report presented by Bitkom, the German digital association, the proportion of companies with an open-source strategy has increased from 32 percent in 2023 to 37 percent now.
The Open Source Monitor 2025, which will be available for free download at www.ourwebsite/Open-Source-Monitor-2025, provides valuable insights into the current state and future trends of open-source software usage in Germany. The report is a result of a survey conducted among 1,152 companies and 103 public administration officials on behalf of Bitkom.
The report reveals that companies see cost savings and access to the source code as the biggest advantages of using open-source software. In fact, 61 percent of companies are open to open source, an increase from 53 percent in 2023. Furthermore, four in ten companies expect the importance of open-source software to increase in their own company in the future.
The Open Source Forum 2025, taking place tomorrow at the Open Source Forum of the digital association in Erfurt, will present the Open Source Monitor 2025. Dr. Ralf Wintergerst, the president of Bitkom, will serve as the spokesperson at the press conference, presenting Bitkom's studies and views on digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and AI adoption in German companies.
The increased adoption of open-source software is not surprising given the benefits it offers. The report shows that 73 percent of German companies believe open source is a suitable means of strengthening digital sovereignty. Additionally, 60 percent of German companies want the state to invest more in open-source software due to the current geopolitical situation.
However, the report also highlights the main barriers to using open-source software. A lack of skilled personnel, an unclear warranty situation, and legal uncertainties regarding licensing obligations are the primary obstacles companies face.
In Berlin, on the 17th of September 2025, the majority of German companies use open-source software. The Open Source Monitor 2025 is a valuable resource for understanding this shift and the future trends of open-source software usage in Germany. For more information about the Open Source Forum 2025, visit www.ourwebsite/Forum-Open-Source-2025.
