December 2021 Newsletter

The intriguing implications of SFC v Vizio

A couple of weeks ago, the Software Freedom Conservancy (SFC) filed suit against television maker Vizio, alleging that Vizio took advantage of open source software without playing by open source rules. It’s a shame that SFC had to take this step, but I think it’s a milestone moment that underscores the value of open source software to our society and how we must vigilantly and proactively protect the rights of the both the user/consumer and those who have contributed code in good faith. Please read my blog that explains the lawsuit and its constructive benefits, and let me know your thoughts.

I look forward to speaking with many of you during informal office hours on Fridays. In the meantime, on behalf of all the staff of the Open Source Initiative, I extend to friends, members and supporters of the OSI our warmest wishes for the happiest of holiday seasons. 

Stefano Maffulli
Executive Director, OSI

In this month’s Open Source Initiative newsletter:

  • 2021 OSI Membership Campaign
  • The “State of Open Source” Survey
  • Practical Open Source Information (POSI) videos
  • Welcoming our newest affiliate member and sponsors

Let’s recruit as many new members as possible in the next 30 days!

If you love open source, help OSI protect it!  Only with a strong and active member base can we continue in our role as the internationally recognized nexus of trust, the foundation for, and authority in open source software. Here’s how you can help:

  • Renew or upgrade to an Individual Membership today. For $40 per year, you will support the OSI programs that define standards for open source definitions across different licensing models. You also have voting privileges that allow you to shape those programs in achieving the OSI mission.
  • Help us spread the word to recruit new members! New members may want to try out our Free Membership. Voting privileges are not included at this level, but Free Members do receive the cool digital member badge to show their support of OSI. The Member badge is built uniquely for each member: after you sign up, a script generates a SVG and PNG  file based on your name. 

Please share this message with your friends, family and colleagues, and encourage them to sign up before the end of the year.

Tell us what’s on your mind!

The “State of Open Source” survey has begun

Organizations that rely on open source software and participate in open source communities need current and reliable information on how projects are being used and how the needs of open source communities are changing. That’s why OSI has partnered with OpenLogic by Perforce to conduct a survey on the the day-to-day use and management of open source software. “This survey will offer valuable insight into rapidly changing open source technologies, how organizations are using open source, and more importantly, give insight into the challenges teams face in using today’s most popular open source technologies,” said Javier Perez, Chief OSS Evangelist at Perforce Software.” The survey will run through January 7, 2022, with the resulting data used as the basis for the 2022 OpenLogic and OSI State of Open Source Report.

Please take a moment to provide your valuable perspective by participating in the 2022 Open Source Landscape Survey.

In case you missed it…

POSI videos are now available on YouTube

With over 300 attendees and 30 speakers, our Practical Open Source Information (POSI) event on September 16 served as a valuable forum for community members to come together and discuss a wide range of pressing issues affecting open source practitioners everywhere.

In case you missed it, we’ve got you covered with session videos posted to the Open Source Initiative YouTube channel.

We have much to be thankful for

OSI welcomes our newest Affiliate Member & Corporate Sponsors

In the spirit of the American Thanksgiving tradition celebrated last month, we of the OSI community acknowledge we have much to be thankful for, not the least of which is our newest affiliate member and sponsors.

OSI Welcomes New Affiliate Member: Geek.Zone 

GeekZone (https://geek.zone/) provides a safe space where knowledge, passion and curiosity are freely expressed and encouraged. The organization runs events where individuals can enjoy exciting, new experiences and make great, new friends in a relaxed and welcoming environment. GeekZone is a fully open organization and publishes all code and other content using OSI-approved licences. GeekZones are available in three areas in UK: Coventry, Chelmsford and London. Check them out! 

And a huge shoutout to all of our new sponsors:

Are you interested in sponsoring or partnering with the OSI? Please see our Sponsorship Prospectus and the 2020 Annual Report. Contact us at sponsors@opensource.org to find out more about how your organization can promote open source development, communities and software.

Thanks to our sponsors for a wonderful 2021!