Open source AI is already finding its way into production

Open source artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, enabling developers worldwide to create custom AI solutions with accessible models that can be hosted independently. A survey of 2,000 enterprise respondents revealed widespread experimentation with open source AI models, highlighting their growing adoption across industries. These models, including small language models (SLMs), are increasingly used for specialized tasks, offering benefits like lower costs, ease of customization, and the ability to maintain control over data. The Open Source Initiative's definition emphasizes the freedom to use, study, modify, and share AI systems, though the level of openness varies among models. Tools like Outlines have emerged to help developers create structured outputs from AI models, indicating a trend towards specialized, task-specific applications. While open source AI presents challenges, such as the need for prompt construction and infrastructure management, it offers opportunities for innovation and tailored solutions. As small models continue to improve, they are expected to complement larger models, fostering a new wave of open source innovation and collaboration in the AI field.