Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) Usage in Military Computing

Overview

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) has been constantly growing in importance and expanding in many software architectures all over the world. This impressive growth has been supported by the numerous successes, the high-quality reputation of FOSS-based systems and significant cost savings. Moreover, many FOSS applications have achieved a level of maturity and of recognition that raises them to a position of superiority over their commercial equivalents. This paper will present an overview of FOSS usage in the civilian world and will highlight the specifics of the military business case for more FOSS usage in C2IS architectures and for a better understanding of the potentially disruptive aspects of this technology.