While lost on many investors, embracing open-source technology -- as opposed to having a closed-off technology platform -- can mean a huge difference in strategy. And that, ultimately, affects investor success.Data center switching upstart Arista Networks (NYSE: ANET) is more open-source; incumbent switch maker Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), perhaps due to its front-runner status as a legacy business from the 1990s, has stayed more "closed."Arista has built its business model on software-defined networking, constructing its switches from whatever outside hardware is the latest and greatest in price and performance.