Forrester highlights AI benefits & challenges in OSS use

Forrester has published two new reports detailing the advantages and obstacles associated with the adoption of open-source software (OSS) in artificial intelligence (AI) within the cloud ecosystem.

The reports, "The Key Challenges Of Open-Source Software in AI" and "Navigate The Open-Source AI Ecosystem in The Cloud", identify how OSS in AI offers unique opportunities while also presenting critical challenges for enterprises. These insights focus on the environment in the Asia Pacific region and globally, emphasising cost, governance, and complexity as significant barriers to OSS AI adoption.

The challenges identified include difficulties organisations face with integrating OSS AI due to a lack of standardised protocols and fragmented solutions, along with the resource-intensive maintenance required. Additionally, variations in licensing models are highlighted as complicating scalability for commercial enterprises.

Cloud-native solutions are highlighted as crucial for driving AI innovation within enterprises. The reports indicate that tools for containers, orchestration like Kubernetes, and serverless computing enable businesses to customise and rapidly scale AI efforts. These tools allow for seamless interoperability across different infrastructures, aiding in the efficient implementation of AI solutions.

The open-source ecosystem presents opportunities for the development of intelligent systems by fostering a culture of rapid experimentation and inclusivity. This approach aids organisations in building trustworthy and robust AI systems. Investments in observability and AI compute foundations are recommended to help reduce vulnerabilities while promoting a dynamic technological environment.

The reports point out the importance of collaboration among researchers, organisations, and the developer community, which contributes to the rapid growth and improvement of AI technologies. Open collaboration facilitates resource sharing and accelerates breakthroughs, fostering the creation of more ethical and inclusive AI systems.

Another significant theme in the reports is the democratisation of AI through open-source tools, enabling businesses of varied sizes to access advanced AI capabilities. This levelling of the playing field allows smaller companies to innovate and compete effectively in their markets, a benefit traditionally limited to large corporations.

Transparency and accountability in AI development are also emphasised. Open-source frameworks provide access to algorithmic processes and data, promoting transparency. This access enables organisations to build systems that meet compliance standards and tackle ethical considerations more effectively.

Charlie Dai, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester, noted the crucial role open-source software plays in enterprise AI. He stated, "The role of open-source software in enterprise AI cannot be understated. While open-source AI democratises access to tools and enriches enterprise capabilities, its effective adoption depends heavily on mitigating challenges such as governance and operational complexity. For enterprises in APAC aiming to scale AI development, integrating OSS within a cloud-native framework is an essential strategy to drive innovation, flexibility, and security."