As the grid digitizes, the role of open source becomes more relevant as a way to apply technology development best practices from other industries. Oftentimes open source is framed as an either-or choice between open or closed source. This is a false choice, where in fact the two should effectively work together to facilitate open collaboration on shared problems, leaving space for commercial, closed solutions on top. The effective use of open source introduces a number of benefits, such as interoperability, long term maintainability, and increased development speed, among others. This panel captures a cross-section of utilities and vendors who pursue solutions incorporating open source elements. The audience will learn how to engage more strategically with open source, both as a utility procuring digital solutions and a vendor building a business.