Open source is a development method for software that harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process. The promise of open source is better quality, higher reliability, more flexibility, lower cost, and an end to predatory vendor lock-in.

The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is a non-profit corporation with global scope formed to educate about and advocate for the benefits of open source and to build bridges among different constituencies in the open source community.

One of our most important activities is as a standards body, maintaining the Open Source Definition for the good of the community. The Open Source Initiative Approved License trademark and program creates a nexus of trust around which developers, users, corporations and governments can organize open source cooperation.

The Latest From OSI...

OSI Responds to German Competition Follow-up on Novell/CPTN Transaction

April 8, 2011: Towards the end of March, we received a message from the German Bundeskartellamt (Federal Cartel Office or FCO) advising us that the CPTN transaction had been re-notified to them. That means that the consortium seeking to acquire Novell's patent portfolio - Microsoft, Apple, EMC and Oracle - had once again asked for permission to proceed. The FCO went on to ask OSI for its views on the revised transaction. The OSI Board responded to their questionnaire and you can read our response.

February 6, 2011: The US Department of Justice has sent a formal Second request to Novell and CPTN seeking more information. The Board, together with the FSF Board, welcomes this move.

January 19, 2011: The OSI has collaborated with the Free Software Foundation to jointly submit an updated version of the request to the US Department of Justice as well.

January 17, 2011: Despite reports to the contrary, the Board believes CPTN is still proceeding with the plans considered in our request to the German FCO.

December 29, 2010: The OSI Board felt compelled to request that competition authorities take a closer look at the proposed transaction between Novell and the new CPTN consortium. Read more...

OSI Board Elections And Governance Reform

April 8, 2011: The Board has now elected officers and committee chairs for the 2011-12 year. Read more...

March 16, 2011: The OSI Board met for its annual face-to-face meeting this weekend and agreed both to appoint an exceptionally strong group of new Directors and to embark on a process of governance reform. Read more...