Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/12/openinfra_joins_the_linux_foundation/
Source: The Register
Title: OpenInfra has only gone and joined the Linux Foundation
Feedly Summary: Artist formerly known as OpenStack to huddle under same umbrella as the Cloud Native Computing Foundation
The votes are in, confirming that the Open Infrastructure Foundation intends to join the Linux Foundation.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The Open Infrastructure Foundation’s unanimous decision to join the Linux Foundation marks a significant collaboration in the open-source community, aimed at enhancing infrastructure development in areas influenced by AI and related regulatory challenges. This partnership highlights the evolving landscape of cloud-native technologies and the need for a unified approach to address modern infrastructure demands.
Detailed Description: The Open Infrastructure Foundation’s recent decision to become a member of the Linux Foundation is a pivotal moment in the cloud computing landscape. This move signifies a unification of efforts to collectively tackle the increasing complexities in infrastructure needs driven by AI, accelerated computing, and the challenges of digital sovereignty.
Key points of significance include:
– **Historical Context**:
– OpenStack and the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), which included Kubernetes, were once rivals. OpenStack was focused on providing an open-source cloud infrastructure, while Kubernetes grew as a vendor-neutral platform for container orchestration.
– The decline of OpenStack’s prominence was highlighted by SUSE’s pivot away from OpenStack Cloud to embrace Kubernetes fully, indicating a shift in industry preferences.
– **Revival and Growth**:
– OpenInfra has rejuvenated its relevance in recent years, particularly as it attracted professionals from VMware looking to transition workloads post the Broadcom acquisition.
– The strategic alignment with the Linux Foundation is seen as an inevitable advancement, aligning the foundation’s goals with broader industry needs.
– **Strategic Advantages**:
– Jonathan Bryce, Executive Director of the OpenInfra Foundation, indicated that joining the Linux Foundation would provide access to shared resources and enhance its capacity to respond to modern infrastructure challenges.
– The partnership will leverage the Linux Foundation’s established frameworks for legal support and security expertise, helping to navigate the intricate landscape impacted by regulatory and geopolitical pressures.
– **Operational Framework**:
– The OpenInfra Foundation will function as a directed fund within the Linux Foundation, similar to other successful initiatives like the CNCF.
– All financial contributions from corporate members will be allocated specifically to OpenInfra activities, with existing governance processes maintained to ensure project continuity.
– **Community and Collaboration**:
– Leaders from both foundations, including Mark Collier (OpenInfra) and Jim Zemlin (Linux Foundation), emphasized the importance of a collaborative community where innovation can thrive openly and accessibly.
– Kelsey Hightower’s endorsement of the merger points to the importance of sustainability for all software projects, promoting the idea of creating a nurturing environment for emerging technologies.
In conclusion, this collaboration signifies a proactive approach to fostering innovation in open-source infrastructure development, particularly as it relates to advancing AI capabilities while navigating security and compliance landscapes.