This document discusses open source cloud alternatives and their advantages over proprietary cloud solutions. It outlines analysts' views that hybrid cloud usage will increase significantly by 2017. It also notes that over $1 billion has been invested in companies building services around open source platforms like OpenStack. Key benefits of open source cloud include more contributors to the code, greater trust and maturity, and less vendor lock-in. Challenges include changing mindsets and hiring talent experienced with open source technologies. Real-world examples of organizations using open source cloud solutions include CERN and PayPal.