Why we choose open source
Inspiring innovation by working in the open
Bringing technologies from the open source community and readying them for the enterprise benefits many open source communities and companies that are adapting to meet the needs of modern digital business.
Our origin story
Why do we work this way? Because it works better.
Open source is Red Hat’s origin story. It’s how we came to be. We’re an enterprise company with an open source development model, and we believe working in the open is the best way to work for the larger open source community and for technological innovation as a whole.
Open source principles guide how we create software and how we work across the company. Red Hatters are encouraged to contribute to problem solving, no matter their role or experience level. This ensures that the best ideas—the ones that creatively address our customers’ challenges—are heard and implemented, leading to better decisions for our business and customers.
What does “open” mean?
In the context of our work, “open” means creating technological solutions in ways that are supported by open source principles. For example, the Red Hat IT team knew that our path to a hybrid cloud infrastructure would require cultural as well as organizational and technological changes to achieve this transformation. The team shifted to follow these principles and adopt a DevOps culture.
Following standards of meritocracy, transparency, community, collaboration, and inclusivity helps us foster an organization that meets market demands and brings value to our customers.
Culture
Our culture is built on openness and transparency. Our employees are encouraged to act, debate, and share. This lets us bring the best ideas to our technologies and customers.
Processes
Part of working in the open is an ongoing review of processes to ensure that they’re meeting the needs of the business. Over time, these iterative improvements bring about faster innovation at scale.
Platforms and tools
With an eye on the future, our flexible, stable, open source infrastructure and tools allow for the optimization of existing IT environments to ready them for modern business needs.
What has been unlocked with open source?
Open source is about code, but it’s also about the impact open source communities are making—including in education, healthcare, and agriculture—using open source principles.
Creating ChRIS
What’s possible when medical technology meets open innovation? Everything.
Open Source Stories
See how community, meritocracy, and a free exchange of ideas can unlock potential across a range of disciplines.
The Open Organization
Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst explains how open leadership can encourage the best ideas and attract the brightest talent.
Community and social responsibility
Our corporate citizenship and sustainability programs aim to strengthen the communities where we live and work.
Proof of concept
See what happens when UNICEF engages in an 8-week Red Hat Open Innovation Labs residency.
