Exploring open source and the cloud

Collaboration is at the heart of the open source movement, and when the biggest names in the technology sphere join forces, massive steps forward can be made. The world certainly witnessed this in July this year, when Red Hat worked together with none other than Google on a high-profile project.

The two companies' collaborative effort was centered around the Kubernetes open source initiative, which Google first launched in June 2014. The aim of this particular operation is to explore best practices in Docker container management, helping users identify more efficient ways of monitoring and controlling container deployments.

With Red Hat and Google boasting more than a decade of combined experience in developing Linux container technology, it was natural the two should team up to address one of the most pertinent cloud challenges of today. But just why does Red Hat in particular make such concentrated efforts to get involved in these projects?

As a pioneer in the field, Red Hat has a commitment to work on projects that truly embrace the open source philosophy. The significance of the Kubernetes project lies in embracing containers - both companies see the potential of the technology and are joining forces to drive a new open standard for orchestrating large scale application deployment in the cloud.

Simply put, open source is in Red Hat's DNA. In terms of what the Kubernetes project will do for the profiles of these two innovative companies, it will be another stamp of approval from the open source movement.

In line with the collaborative ethos of open source technology, Red Hat has always been committed to helping partners and the wider community progress the open source movement. Evidence for this can be seen in the plethora of initiatives Red Hat has been involved in over the years - perhaps most noteworthy of which are Linux and OpenStack. In addition to this, the company has also contributed to the Open Virtualization Alliance and a number of high-profile projects around the world, including Open Daylight and SELinux.

Red Hat is also strongly involved in the betterment of the wider business community - the company's partnership with Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore is a recent example. This agreement will play a huge role in strengthening the country's technology capabilities as it bids to become the world's first 'Smart Nation'.

Of course, such projects and initiatives would not be possible without the availability of open source technology - of which cloud computing is a core foundation. There is a reason why the cloud is making everyone sit up and take note these days. As the single most important evolution of IT in recent times, it is forever disrupting the way IT is being consumed.

And as the industry moves towards mobility and big data, there will be an even larger explosion of devices and information. Organizations will therefore need to find a way to scale in a cost effective manner, while still getting enterprise support.