| Need open-source funding? Talk to the OSDL |
Mar. 29, 2006
The OSDL (Open Source Development Labs), a global consortium dedicated to accelerating the adoption of Linux and open source software, announced on March 29th that it establishing the OSDL Fellowship Fund. This Fund will provide financial support to software developers working on Linux and open-source community projects that don't have access to financial resources or support
In recent weeks, it's become clear then ever that some important open-source projects are woefully underfinanced. For example, Marco Peereboom, from the OpenBSD project recently wrote in the OpenBSD Journal, that the project "for the past 2 years has turned a loss of approximately $20K USD ($40K total). I don't think I need to explain in many words what that is doing to our beloved OS, and worse, our main systems architect. This is starting to seriously impede the development of OpenBSD and OpenSSH."
OpenBSD has long been known as one of the most secure of all operating systems. In addition, as the project's lead developer Theo de Raadt noted in a recent interview, OpenSSH (Open Secure Shell) is used by "companies such as Cisco, Sun, SGI, HP, IBM, Siemens, a raft of medium-sized firewall companies -- we have not received a cent. Or from Linux vendors? Not a cent."
If this can happen to such high-profile projects as OpenBSD and OpenSSH, it can happen to any open-source project that's not connected with a strong business.
The OSDL may provide funding for both existing and new open-source projects. The final decision will be made by the OSDL board of directors, with input from the group's Technical Advisory Board (TAB). Together, they will evaluate applications for fellowship funding and determine allocation priorities and levels of financial commitment.
"OSDL works with users, vendors and developers to identify where additional work or resources could accelerate development efforts and spur the adoption of Linux and open source software," said OSDL CEO Stuart Cohen.
"OSDL's new Technology Advisory Board identified the need for a fund that could be used to fill specific gaps in open source development. OSDL's neutrality puts it in a natural position to fill this need and support efforts across the community."
"Sometimes critical open source projects, especially those not directly affiliated with a major technology vendor can lose focus because their developers have other commitments," said James Bottomley, chairman of the OSDL TAB and OSDL board member. "The OSDL Fellowship Fund will make resources available for moving these projects forward and gives us an invaluable tool to concentrate on areas deemed important by the Linux community."
OSDL currently in the process of soliciting pledges and securing financial support for the Fund. For more information on how to donate to the Fellowship Fund, or to apply for fellowship funding, visit the OSDL Fellowship Fund.
-- Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols
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