Mercedes-Benz is revolutionizing the automotive sector’s digital sphere. The brand’s ‘Enterprise Transformation – 100% Digital’ campaign is a bold step towards digital dominance in the auto industry. Central to this transformation is the strategic use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). This approach spans vehicle development, integrated software, mobile applications, and enterprise software, marking a significant shift in Mercedes-Benz’s operational model.
Jan Brecht, Chief Information Officer at Mercedes-Benz Group AG emphasizes, that FOSS is not just a cost-cutting tool but a magnet for elite talent and a booster for innovation. The Mercedes-Benz FOSS Manifesto, launched at the start of 2021, underscores this ethos. It urges developers to engage with FOSS by contributing to existing projects and launching new ones, fostering a vibrant exchange with the global FOSS community.
Mercedes-Benz’s commitment extends beyond external collaboration. The brand employs ‘inner source’ strategies, using open-source methods within the company to strengthen global teamwork and knowledge exchange. This initiative is supported by specialized roles, online training, and a lecture series, with over 10,000 users on its collaboration platforms.
The Mercedes-Benz FOSS Convention at the Mercedes-Benz Museum showcases the company’s dedication to the FOSS community. This event, as highlighted by Magnus Östberg, Chief Software Officer at Mercedes-Benz AG, is a hub for knowledge sharing and creativity, vital for Mercedes-Benz’s transition to a software-centric organization.
Mercedes-Benz’s role in the FOSS community has garnered accolades. The company received the Open Source Program Office (OSPO) Leadership Award at the GitHub Universe conference. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation GmbH, a subsidiary, won the Top End User Award 2023 from the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF).
This strategic embrace of open source technology by Mercedes-Benz is more than a digital upgrade. It represents a fundamental shift in how the automotive giant innovates, collaborates, and leads in the digital age. Mercedes-Benz is not just transforming itself; it’s influencing the entire open-source landscape.
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