NordVPN, a leading provider of virtual private network (VPN) services, has taken a significant step towards open source by making its Linux graphical user interface (GUI) available on GitHub. This move allows the open source community to review, audit, and potentially improve the codebase. The decision comes after a reported 70% surge in daily active Linux users since the GUI’s debut earlier this year, highlighting the growing demand for a user-friendly VPN solution on the platform.
While the company’s core backend infrastructure remains proprietary, the release of the GUI code reflects Nord,VPN’s commitment to transparency and collaboration with the Linux community. Additionally, the GUI can now be installed with a single command using Snap, streamlining the setup process and ensuring automatic updates across different Linux distributions. This development marks a notable shift in the company’s approach to software development, as it balances proprietary core technology with open source contributions in its user-facing components.
Industry observers note that this move could have several implications. By allowing the open source community to contribute to the GUI, NordVPN is likely to benefit from increased innovation and improved user experience. However, the company maintains control over its core infrastructure, which is essential for maintaining security and proprietary features. This strategic approach enables NordVPN to leverage the strengths of both open source collaboration and proprietary development, ensuring a balance between transparency and business interests.
The decision to release the GUI code also aligns with broader trends in the tech industry, where many companies are increasingly adopting hybrid models that combine open source elements with proprietary core technologies. This strategy allows firms to harness the benefits of open source while protecting their most valuable intellectual property. For NordVPN, this approach may also help attract a more technically inclined user base, as Linux users often prioritize customization and control over their software.
As the open source community begins to engage with the new codebase, there is potential for additional features, bug fixes, and security enhancements. However, the company has not indicated any immediate plans to further open source its other products, suggesting that this move is primarily focused on improving the user experience for Linux users. Overall, NordVPN’s decision to open source its Linux GUI represents a meaningful step towards greater transparency and collaboration in the tech industry.