Open Source Initiative (OSI)

An Open Source Initiative (OSI) is a non-profit organization that promotes and protects open-source software.

• Context:
  • It can (typically) maintain the Open Source Definition.
  • It can (typically) advocate for Open-Source Principles.
  • It can certify Open-Source Licenses.
  • It can advocate for the adoption of Open Source Software, emphasizing the benefits and principles outlined in the Open Source Definition.
  • It can review and approve software licenses to ensure they meet the criteria of the Open Source Definition, maintaining the integrity and consistency of open-source software.
  • It can foster a community of developers, users, and advocates, providing platforms for collaboration and knowledge sharing within the open-source ecosystem.
  • It can develop policies and standards to support the open-source movement, engaging with governments, organizations, and other stakeholders to influence policies.
  • It can offer certification programs to help organizations and individuals demonstrate their commitment to open-source principles and compliance with open-source licenses.
  • It can range from being an advocacy and educational body to a certifying authority for open-source licenses.
  • It can organize events and activities, such as the Deep Dive AI series, to explore challenges and opportunities in areas like Open Source AI.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • OSI, 2024: The OSI celebrated its 25th anniversary, highlighting the importance of open-source software in various industries, including AI and cybersecurity.
  • OSI, 2020: OSI worked on developing the Open Source AI Definition, emphasizing transparency, autonomy, and collaborative improvement in AI systems.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • ...
• See: Membership Organization, Standards Organization, California, Open Source Definition, Open-Source Software, Open Source, Free Software Movement.

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References

2024

• (Wikipedia, 2024) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Source_Initiative Retrieved:2024-6-20.
  • The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is the steward of the Open Source Definition, the most widely used standard for open-source software.

    Founded in 1998, the Open Source Initiative coined the term open source in opposition to the free software movement. While free software is the same thing as open-source software, OSI preferred to make a pragmatic and business-friendly case for open-source software.

    For most of its existence, the OSI's activities have been focused on the definition and certifying software licenses as compliant with it. OSI originally had a closed organizational model, but began to switch towards a membership organization in the 2010s to raise more money and expand its activities.

2024

• Perplexity
  • Open Source Initiative (OSI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting open-source software. Its primary objectives include:
    1. Advocacy and Education:
       • OSI advocates for the adoption of open-source software and educates the public about the benefits and principles of open source. This includes promoting the use of open-source licenses that comply with the Open Source Definition.
    2. License Review and Approval:
       • OSI reviews and approves licenses to ensure they meet the criteria of the Open Source Definition. This helps maintain the integrity and consistency of what constitutes open-source software.
    3. Community Building:
       • OSI fosters a community of open-source developers, users, and advocates. It provides a platform for collaboration and sharing of knowledge and resources within the open-source ecosystem.
    4. Policy and Standards Development:
       • OSI works on developing policies and standards that support the open-source movement. This includes engaging with governments, organizations, and other stakeholders to influence policies that affect open-source software.
    5. Certification and Compliance:
       • OSI offers certification programs to help organizations and individuals demonstrate their commitment to open-source principles and compliance with open-source licenses.
  • Key Years in OSI History
    1. 1998: Founding Year:
       • February 3, 1998: The term "open source" was coined at a strategy session in Palo Alto, California, proposed by Christine Peterson.
       • February 1998: OSI was founded by Eric Raymond and Bruce Perens to promote and formalize the open-source movement.
    2. 2008: 10th Anniversary:
       • OSI celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of advocacy and education in the open-source community.
    3. 2018: 20th Anniversary:
       • OSI celebrated its 20th anniversary, reflecting on two decades of promoting open-source software and its adoption across various industries.
    4. 2023: 25th Anniversary:
       • February 2023: OSI celebrated its 25th anniversary, highlighting the history and future of open source, including its role in AI and cybersecurity. Throughout 2023, OSI organized various events and activities, including the Deep Dive AI series, to define Open Source AI and explore future challenges and opportunities.
  • Key Publications
    1. Open Source Definition (OSD):
       • One of the first tasks undertaken by OSI was to draft the Open Source Definition (OSD), which remains a gold standard of open-source licensing.
    2. The Open Source AI Definition – draft v. 0.0.3:
       • This document outlines a draft definition for Open Source AI, including a preamble, the definition itself, and a checklist for evaluating licenses. It emphasizes the importance of autonomy, transparency, and collaborative improvement in AI systems.
  • Citations:

[1] https://opensource.org/deepdive/drafts/the-open-source-ai-definition-draft-v-0-0-3
[2] https://objectivestandard.org
[3] https://opensource.org/blog/osi-end-of-year-review-2023
[4] https://www.computerweekly.com/blog/Open-Source-Insider/20-years-of-Open-Source-Initiative-OSI
[5] https://www.giac.org/paper/gsec/1417/osi-model-overview/102634 

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