OpenStack Joins the Linux Foundation

In 2010, Rackspace and NASA initiated a collaborative effort known as OpenStack. The goal was to create an open-source alternative for deploying an AWS-like cloud environment within private data centers.

Subsequently, both companies transitioned OpenStack’s management to the OpenStack Foundation. This organization has consistently guided the project through periods of growth and challenge.

Currently, OpenStack is experiencing renewed interest. This resurgence is linked to concerns surrounding Broadcom’s alterations to VMware licensing policies, prompting businesses to seek alternative solutions.

Open Infrastructure Foundation's Evolution

The OpenStack Foundation rebranded itself as the Open Infrastructure Foundation in 2021. This change occurred after the OpenStack project encountered a slowdown in momentum.

The Foundation has now announced its intention to integrate with the Linux Foundation. The Linux Foundation is a prominent open-source nonprofit, also overseeing the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), PyTorch, OpenSearch, RISC-V, and Linux itself.

A Convergence of Major Open Source Projects

This integration brings together three of the most significant and active open-source initiatives globally – Linux, Kubernetes, and OpenStack – under the Linux Foundation’s umbrella.

It’s important to note that the OpenInfra Foundation supports several projects beyond OpenStack.

Kata Containers: For enhanced software container security.
Airship: A software lifecycle management tool.
Zuul: A CI/CD platform.
StarlingX: An edge computing platform.

Historical Relationship and Current Collaboration

The relationship between the OpenInfra/OpenStack Foundation and the Linux Foundation’s CNCF has seen fluctuations over time.

The increasing popularity of Kubernetes contributed to the CNCF’s success. This, in turn, led to perceptions of OpenStack as an older technology.

However, the two organizations are currently collaborating more closely through the Open Infrastructure Blueprint.

Industry Trends and Future Outlook

Jonathan Bryce, executive director of the OpenInfra Foundation, highlighted a significant shift in the data center infrastructure market.

He stated that this reinvention is driven by the substantial demands of AI, virtualization migration, and the need for digital sovereignty.

Bryce believes that combining resources will enable them to capitalize on a trillion-dollar market and ensure the continued success of open source.

Linux Foundation's Perspective

Jim Zemlin, executive director of the Linux Foundation, emphasized the shared mission of both organizations.

He noted that their long-standing partnership and interconnected communities will further their commitment to advocating for and advancing the potential of open source.

Operational Integration and Future Staffing

Upon completion of the integration, the OpenInfra Foundation will function as an independent foundation within the Linux Foundation.

The impact of this change on the OpenInfra Foundation’s staffing structure is currently under evaluation.

Positive Momentum and Community Growth

Julia Kreger, chair of the OpenInfra board of directors, reported strong momentum for the OpenInfra Foundation entering 2025.

Membership has increased by 15%, including the addition of two new Platinum members.

Adoption of OpenStack and other OpenInfra projects, such as Kata Containers, StarlingX, and Zuul, is also growing.

The Foundation’s community comprises over 110,000 members, and leveraging the Linux Foundation’s resources will foster continued success in building the next generation of infrastructure.

This concludes my contributions to TechCrunch.