Hilary Carter | 07 November 2024
When AWS first approached us at Linux Foundation Research more than a year ago, it was with a mission that resonated deeply: to conduct a comprehensive study on OpenSearch and its role in the evolving world of open source. The team at AWS wanted to know how people perceived OpenSearch, where it could be improved, and the unique value that open governance and foundation models bring to open source project hosting.
This was a compelling opportunity to dive into OpenSearch’s journey—a project that has grown through community collaboration, solving real-world challenges in search, observability, and security analytics, and evolving to meet the needs of an AI-driven world. Over the past year, we worked closely with AWS and engaged nearly 700 technology professionals to understand how OpenSearch fits into their organizations and how it could be strengthened.
Just a few weeks ago, in a milestone moment, OpenSearch became an official Linux Foundation project. This launch, at the Open Source Summit Europe in Vienna, underscored the vision AWS had from the start: to ensure OpenSearch is supported in a neutral, foundation-hosted environment, where it can grow with the community guiding its direction.
Shortly afterward, we published the OpenSearch Awareness and Perceptions Report, the very study that provided important quantitative insights that supported the contribution of the OpenSearch project to a foundation model, established priority areas of focus, and would support the project’s long term viability.
Why OpenSearch Matters
OpenSearch has always been about creating solutions that meet real organizational needs. The community-driven approach behind OpenSearch has empowered companies to adapt and scale as they grow, offering reliable support for search, observability, and security analytics. It was no surprise that 73% of users indicated that OpenSearch is excelling in its core functions. And, importantly, the flexibility built into its architecture makes it adaptable across diverse use cases—a major factor in its success.
Adoption, Impact, and Opportunities for Growth
Our study revealed that 46% of users are running OpenSearch as a managed service. It’s clear there’s a need for the scalability and seamless deployment that managed solutions offer, especially in today’s fast-paced environments. There’s also a strong appetite for interoperability, with 87% of users expressing interest in enhanced integration across the open source ecosystem. This insight tells me that OpenSearch has a bright future as a flexible, versatile tool driven by community input.
The Value of Open Governance
One of the most valuable aspects of this study has been exploring how foundation-hosted projects—like OpenSearch—benefit from open governance. By joining the Linux Foundation, OpenSearch now has a neutral home that encourages broad community involvement, supports transparency, and mitigates vendor lock-in, opening doors to greater collaboration and integration with other open source projects. The open governance model we explored in the report is more than just a structure; it’s a commitment to trust, collaboration, and independence—values that lie at the heart of open source.
Meeting the Demand for Training and Certification
Our research also brought to light a significant need for training and certification, with 48% of users placing a high priority on these resources. As OpenSearch’s reach expands, so does the need for education to help new users and organizations maximize its potential. The Linux Foundation’s Education team is well-positioned to support this growth, and I’m excited to see how ongoing investments in education, events, marketing, and further research, will shape the OpenSearch community in the future.
Looking Ahead: Building Momentum Together
Reflecting on these insights, I’m encouraged by the momentum behind OpenSearch and the commitment from AWS, the Linux Foundation, and the community. For me, this report isn’t just a snapshot of where OpenSearch is today—it’s a call to action. It’s a roadmap that outlines the next steps for training, cross-platform compatibility, and community engagement.
As OpenSearch embarks on its next chapter under the Linux Foundation, we’re all part of this journey. OpenSearch has become a powerful tool for organizations worldwide, meeting the complex needs of search, observability, and security. I’m thrilled to see how it will continue to set new standards in open source excellence.
I invite you to dive into the OpenSearch Awareness and Perceptions Report to see the full picture, gain insights into OpenSearch’s strengths, and join us in building a path forward for open source innovation.