Ontario, CA-based embedded software provider BlackBerry QNX recently commissioned a survey of 1,000 embedded software developers and engineers from the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea. Research was conducted from July to September by Coleman Parkes.
BlackBerry provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The company’s software powers over 235 million vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver products in the areas of cybersecurity, safety, data privacy, endpoint management, endpoint security, encryption, and embedded systems.
The survey report comprises four sections: general operating system (OS), reliability and real-time performance, safety certifications, and security and secured design.
BlackBerry said the research highlighted the mounting pressure on software engineers and developers to balance rapid innovation with safety and security. The survey revealed the growing tension between meeting tight project deadlines and maintaining functional safety, with 75% of respondents acknowledging that urgency often forces them to compromise on key safety requirements, BlackBerry said.
Changing OS to meet safety standards
While developers cited security (54%), cost control (52%) and safety certifications (48%) as their “top” considerations when selecting an operating system, BlackBerry said the survey also highlighted significant downstream challenges in each of these areas that have made the vast majority (74%) of respondents open to changing their existing OS.
Of those required to meet international safety standards, 61% said it is extremely challenging or very challenging to meet these specific standards with their current OS. BlackBerry said security concerns (36%) and performance issues (28%) are the two main reasons respondents said they are considering changing their current OS.
Nearly a third (31%) of all respondents admitted that their OS lacked the necessary safety certifications or only had “some” of them covered. BlackBerry said this gap has likely contributed to delays for two-thirds of organizations as they grapple with the complexity, time, and cost - averaging $591,000 and 154 hours of company resources - needed to meet evolving safety standards.
Open-source OS platforms preferred
Open-source operating systems were the preferred foundational platform for almost half (44%) of developers, with an additional 25% indicating no preference for either Open-Source or proprietary offerings.
Open-source platforms are often adopted within development environments due to widespread familiarity with the technology and their open availability. But BlackBerry said they do not carry the same safety certifications as many proprietary options which go through rigorous verification and testing.
“As we enter the era of 'Software-Defined Everything,' where devices and infrastructure increasingly rely on software for operations, new features, and innovation, the importance of functional safety and security are paramount,” said John Wall, BlackBerry QNX head and SVP. “While 90% of organizations surveyed recognize this as a priority, developers are under growing pressure to meet deadlines and budgets, which is why pre-certified software is so important to enabling organizations not only meet their goals, but doing so without compromise.”
Security breaches lead to project delays
Security is also a pain point for developers, particularly for open-source operating systems, which are more likely to experience a breach - 46% vs. 40% for proprietary systems, BlackBerry said. Of those survey respondents who have encountered a security breach or vulnerability in their OS, 72% reported delays in project timelines directly due to security vulnerabilities.
“To thrive in a software-driven world, developers need an OS that prioritizes safety and security” Wall said. “Pre-certified, secure-by-design solutions allow teams to focus on innovation rather than troubleshooting. Choosing the right OS can significantly transform your business by minimizing headaches and enhancing efficiency.”
Other findings included:
- While 73% of organizations prioritize operating system security, the frequency of applying security patches varies, with a notable average of 5 months between updates.
- Operating system issues can have a significant impact on project timelines, with 34% of organizations reporting that they have missed deadlines due to OS-related problems, with the average delay globally being one month.
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