Before we start, let’s explain what the difference is between a millennial and a xennial. While the term millennials refers to individuals born between 1981 and 1996, xennials refers to a “micro-generation” of individuals born between 1977 and 1985.
So, this time around it was time to interview and find some information about xennials instead of millennials like in the last blog. To begin with it is important to understand that as a generation that experienced the world in a more analogue childhood, but likely went on to find an online job in a digital adulthood, xennials have a unique, hybrid point of view. In the broadest sense, xennials tend to be open to new technologies and understand the rewards from embracing lifelong learning and change because they have grown up with diverse technological changes. Thus, according to Bhatt (2018), their perspectives are usually less cynical than those of gen X (born between 1961-1980), although they are more materialistic and have had more access to choices and options in their lives than millennials.
Over the years, xennials have embraced the improvements and challenges of the digital revolution and still do. From homemade mix tapes to CDs, MP3 playlists, and streaming services. From video cassettes to DVD to Blu-ray and digital content. More so, from flea markets to eBay, from books to Google and Wikipedia. They’ve been through it all.
So, how do xennials view open source cloud technology? To learn more about it I interviewed xennials, aged from 41 to 43 working in the open source cloud industry. The first thing one of my interviewees mentioned is how open source infrastructure enables being innovative, which is very beneficial for each company working with it. Especially now, while the switch is happening from 4G to 5G in the telecom market, these companies would benefit from open source infrastructure. With such infrastructure the switch from 4G to 5G would go much easier, quicker and smoother, they explained.
One interviewee added how he finds that open source infrastructure is ‘cutting edge’ technology, in today’s world where disruption comes not just from a competitor with a better technology team but from a technology provider without the domain advantage, think like Uber and Airbnb. So rapid innovation is critical to survival.
He went on saying how there was a shift from proprietary to open source solutions because big companies support developments that happen within open source solutions. He continued saying how they noticed there was much more innovation possible with open source solutions and saw the power of open source solution ambassadors working together in a community. So although it was an adjustment, the value of its power was seen. However, as a decision maker or stakeholder, it is important that you pick the right set of tools and right application to be successful and take advantage of cloud solutions. When a company is able to combine proprietary and open source technologies just as you are able to combine different cloud technologies in a hybrid strategy, then the steps to success are near. He finished with: Good combinations of technology and efficiency are key there.
So, to summarize, I can see very close involvement with xennials and the companies they work with. Furthermore, staying up to date with the rapid innovations has always been an important element in a xennial’s life and probably will be in the many more years of innovations to come. Lastly, based on the interviews and readings I have done I think a xennial sees open source infrastructure as a way to enhance efficiency and get the most out of the possibilities it provides. So to say, they think about what works best with what technology and make the best matches with that information.
Are you a xennial and you agree or disagree with this information? Let me know in the comments.
