Special
Long-term membership for comprehensive OSS support
OSADL is a globally active network with a committed community that focuses on the exchange of information on trends and innovations in the open source software sector.
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Competence network from Germany
OSADL, based in Heidelberg, Germany, is the leading competence network that supports companies in the successful use of open source software in their industrial products and offers access to an extensive network of experts to accompany product developments.
Ginzinger electronic systems has been a proud member of the Open Source Automation Development Lab (OSADL) since 2015, actively participating in conferences and helping to shape the further development of Linux in the industrial environment.
We spoke to Henri Roosen, Software Development at Ginzinger electronic systems, about the benefits of membership.
What are the specific benefits of OSADL membership?
Henri: As OSADL is a global network with a committed community, the exchange of information on trends and innovations is particularly important to us. OSADL is the first point of contact for open source development in the industry, for example when it comes to software licensing. A current, forward-looking topic is the EU's Cyber Resilience Act, which will be of great importance to software developers in the coming years.
What is the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) about?
Henri: It states that from 2027, all products and devices with digital elements may only be sold in the EU if regular security updates can be installed. This “security by design” is intended to ensure that certain security aspects are already taken into account during product development in order to prevent security vulnerabilities or, if necessary, to close them as quickly as possible.
In future, this will affect the entire software lifecycle and includes important aspects, from development process documentation to ongoing security updates.
Henri: Ginzinger is already excellently positioned with its proven embedded Linux distribution GELin. We already have a BOM (Bill of Materials) for the software licenses in GELin and also carry out monthly security monitoring, etc. Of course, further advice and measures are needed to implement this law in compliance. This is where the OSADL network helps us, advising and informing members so that they can take further steps.
A clear “yes” to open source
Despite the challenges, open source offers clear advantages, which is why Ginzinger is clearly committed to open source software, especially linux. But why exactly?
Henri: The question is: what would be the alternative to open source/Linux in an industrial environment? The advantages are obvious: Linux is widely used worldwide, is extensively tested and therefore offers a very good platform for developers to build on.
The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), for example, could even bring the open source world even closer together, as even more companies are now contributing their knowledge and investment to the community. Well-supported projects can be used more often, as they are now being developed more professionally and are no longer “just” driven by hobbyists.
Henri, thank you very much for the informative interview and the exciting insights!
