1. What is the OpenInfra Foundation Board considering?
The Board is considering the opportunity to join forces with the Linux Foundation and operate within its network in much the same way as the Cloud Native Compute Foundation (CNCF), PyTorch Foundation, and OpenSSF do today. As part of the Linux Foundation, the OpenInfra Foundation would continue to function as it currently does with respect to Board positions, project governance, budget and memberships, operating with the community at our core and under the guiding principles of The Four Opens.
2. Will the OpenInfra Foundation become part of the CNCF?
No, the OpenInfra Foundation will operate in parallel to the CNCF and other foundations within the Linux Foundation.
3. Why is the Board considering this, and why now?
The OpenInfra Foundation’s purpose is to support our projects, and joining forces with the Linux Foundation will enable us to sustainably support our projects far into the future as we face new challenges and requirements for open source software.
While the opportunities ahead for open source to make a positive impact on the world are greater than they have ever been, the challenges are more significant as well, particularly with respect to regulations, licensing and geopolitical tensions that threaten global collaboration. What a project needs from a foundation in 2025 is different than it was in 2012, and we have the chance to contribute to a common effort to engage with policymakers and the industry without duplicating effort and cost.
Additionally, we believe that collaborative efforts among the OpenInfra community and other open source projects and foundations within the Linux Foundation network will flourish as a result of this increased alignment. We see opportunities to reduce cross-community barriers, enhance cross-project collaboration, and simplify community events.
The bottom line is that this can enable all of us, together, to make the biggest positive impact on open source.
4. What is the status, and what are the next steps?
The OpenInfra Foundation Board and staff have been examining what is needed to create governance documents that function within the LF organizational framework while maintaining established processes and ideals. We feel confident that our community can continue to operate as it presently does.
It is also essential that the Board hears from the community as it considers all relevant factors. Members are encouraged to offer their thoughts via the mailing list, and we will hold open community meetings for discussion at the following times:
- Tuesday, Feb 11, 16:00 UTC / 10am Central / 8am Pacific
- Thursday, Feb 13, 01:00 UTC / 9am China Standard Time / 5pm Pacific (Wed, Feb 12)
Once feedback has been collected and a draft of governance documents have been published, the OpenInfra Foundation Board will schedule a vote for an upcoming meeting.
5. What is the health of the OpenInfra Foundation?
The foundation is in great health, financially and otherwise. OpenInfra Foundation membership continues to grow: We added two Platinum members in 2024 and the overall OpenInfra membership increased by around 15% last year. OpenStack adoption has seen a surge in momentum, and adoption continues to expand for other OpenInfra projects such as Kata Containers, StarlingX and Zuul. The OpenInfra Foundation has increasingly positive momentum and believes joining forces with the Linux Foundation is the best, most efficient way to scale the resources to support this growing community.
6. How will this impact the current leadership and staff of the OpenInfra Foundation?
The current Foundation staff and leadership would become employees of the Linux Foundation and continue to support the OpenInfra Foundation, projects, communities and mission as they do presently. Over time, we anticipate some executive roles and responsibilities will expand as we collaborate across Linux Foundation projects and foundations.
7. How will this change impact OpenInfra projects and contributors?
Projects will retain their independent governance, principles (e.g., The Four Opens), project infrastructure, and communication channels and will continue to receive the same Foundation services from the same people. Contributor workflows, systems and infrastructure will stay the same. See the following diagram to see how governance would map over.
8. Will individuals still be able to participate in Foundation governance?
Yes. Individuals will continue to nominate, run and vote for positions on the Governing Board. The Governing Board will maintain equal representation among Platinum, Gold and Individual Board Members.
9. How will this change impact OpenInfra member organizations?
Members will receive the same Foundation services they signed up for, from the same staff members. Foundation staff will assist all member organizations with the paperwork necessary to make the transition.
10. How will this change impact the regional hubs, OpenInfra Europe and OpenInfra Asia?
We will continue to invest in and champion collaboration globally, although the legal structure for the hubs may also change with a new model for OpenInfra Foundation.
11. How would this impact the PTGs and other 2025 events?
Events for 2025 will proceed as planned. Beyond this year, we can explore opportunities to co-locate with other LF events.