April 28, 2025

The open-source software ecosystem is undergoing significant shifts, driven by advancements in cloud computing and Python development. According to the latest Census of Free and Open Source Software (Census III) report, software connecting applications to cloud resources and Python-based components now dominate the list of critical open-source projects. These changes highlight the need for prioritizing funding and security for these projects, ensuring the resilience of the global software supply chain. The Rise of Cloud and Python in Open Source Security: The Census III report, conducted by the Linux Foundation in collaboration with Harvard Business School, categorizes open-source projects into eight top-500 lists based on their criticality and dependencies. This data-driven effort aims to identify and support the most crucial projects shaping software development today. One of the most notable findings is the rise of cloud-related development kits and Python components in the rankings. For instance: AWS SDK for Python (Boto3) climbed to 5th place among non-NPM critical software. Google Cloud SDK for Go and the AWS SDK for .NET made significant leaps in their respective categories. Python’s compatibility library, “Six,” which bridges Python 2 and Python 3 code, has become a critical tool due to the ongoing migration to Python 3. These tools have become indispensable as developers increasingly design software specifically for cloud environments, moving beyond traditional lift-and-shift cloud strategies. Why Cloud-Native Development Is Driving Criticality: The increasing adoption of cloud-native and hybrid development underscores the growing dependence on specialized services offered by cloud providers. Developers now frequently use software development kits (SDKs) from major providers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to integrate applications seamlessly with cloud environments. David Wheeler, who oversees open-source supply chain security at the Linux Foundation, states, “We are observing a notable increase in packages specifically tailored for cloud environments—a trend that continues to rise. As these cloud tools grow in importance, so does the need for proper funding and management to ensure security and reliability. Python’s Continued Evolution and Security Challenges: Python has become a dominant language for data science, web development, and cloud programming. However, the transition from Python 2 to Python 3 continues to pose challenges. Although Python 3 is now the preferred version, certain developers, including data scientists and web developers, still rely on Python 2 components, necessitating tools like the “Six” compatibility library. The longevity of outdated code and compatibility challenges underscores the importance of maintaining libraries that bridge older and newer technologies. The Role of Census III in Strengthening Open Source Security: The Census III report serves as a critical guide for prioritizing resources within the open-source ecosystem. By identifying projects like AWS SDKs and Python libraries as critical, it sheds light on the areas that require immediate funding and security improvements. Brian Fox, CTO of Sonatype, emphasizes the importance of sustaining the open-source ecosystem: The sustainability of open source depends on addressing vulnerabilities while supporting aging and unpaid maintainers.”. Government and Industry Collaboration on Open Source Security: Governments and private organizations are also stepping up. The Biden administration’s National Cybersecurity Strategy places significant focus on securing the software supply chain. Identifying critical open-source projects and investing in their security aligns with these broader initiatives. Conclusion: The findings from Census III highlight the evolving priorities in open-source security, with cloud-related and Python-based components taking center stage. To maintain the security and functionality of these critical tools, stakeholders across the public and private sectors must collaborate to provide adequate funding and support. Open-source software forms the backbone of modern development, and its sustainability is essential for innovation. By addressing the vulnerabilities and challenges identified in Census III, the software community can ensure a secure and resilient future. Looking to strengthen your IT infrastructure? Partner with BlueFactor for tailored IT solutions that ensure your systems are secure, reliable, and future-ready. Contact us today!