The concept of open source software traces its origins to the beginning of the computer age in the 60s. Back then, software was freely distributed as an ad-on to computer hardware. Then in 1969, IBM started selling software independently from hardware, thus donning the age of private (or closed) software sales.

By 1983, an alternative to private or closed software had materialized in the form of the GNU project, which allowed non-profits to use the software it developed, and users in general to modify and redistribute it. Later, by 1991 Linux had become well known and complete open source operating system – a very relevant reference for all open source software to date.

The term “open source” was not commonly used until 1998, since then associated with free and open source software or FOSS. Open source software had grown exponentially and is used in multiple industries and contexts, fostering innovation and collaboration.

It’s important to highlight that while the ‘F’ in FOSS stands for ‘Free’, it is a reference to free-to-use (and modify), though not necessarily free as in free-of-charge. We will address this point in a later post.

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