More safety and flexibility with open-source in automotive engineering
The Eclipse Foundation has analyzed the influence of open-source on the safety, reliability and efficiency of software-defined vehicles.
(Image: Hadrian / Shutterstock.com)
- Robert Lippert
A new report from the Eclipse Foundation examines the benefits of open-source software in automotive engineering. The report "Driving Innovation & Building Safer Cars with Open Source Software" presents key trends and shows how open source is accelerating the development of software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
Software plays a key role in modern vehicles
98 percent of the 300 decision-makers and software experts surveyed recognize the considerable value of open-source software for their work. Even if this does not provide any concrete information on the distribution in their projects, it clearly indicates the growing importance of open source in SDVs.
The model is particularly valued as a driver of innovation: the majority of respondents expect an increase in innovation of over 10 percent, while a fifth even anticipate an increase of up to 30 percent. In addition, open source contributes significantly to cost reduction and operational efficiency – Many companies report reduced operating costs or expect them to be reduced.
In terms of flexibility and scalability, 95 percent of experts also see advantages and expect that companies will be able to react more quickly to new opportunities, reduce costs, shorten time to market and secure competitive advantages if they use open-source software.
Developers and decision-makers set different priorities
According to the report, developers and decision-makers rate the advantages of open source differently. While 31 percent of decision-makers perceive better performance as the most important advantage, developers prioritize user-friendliness (29 percent) and the possibility of using a common platform, such as a software-defined vehicle (21 percent). Both groups agree that open-source software benefits from a higher level of security and greater adaptability (up to 27% of respondents).
"Driving Innovation & Building Safer Cars with Open Source Software" is the first of three reports by the Eclipse Foundation, which presents the results of a major survey conducted in the first quarter of 2024. Two further reports are to be published at a later date, focusing on the business benefits and challenges of open-source software in the automotive industry.
Further information can be found in the announcement of the report. It is available to download free of charge upon registration or for members of the Eclipse Foundation.
(olb)