The Linux Foundation plays a crucial role as a catalyst for open-source adoption across the aisle, from the White House actively promoting pro-open source policies to Europe transforming open source from a grassroots movement into a driver of innovation. It also enables companies like AWS to seamlessly engage with open-source communities.

At the Open Source Summit, Vienna, I sat down with Hilary Carter, SVP of Research and Communications at the Linux Foundation, to walk through some of the major announcements made at the event and provide the community with updates on various projects and ongoing research efforts.

Carter mentioned the keynote by Nandini Ramani, Vice President at Amazon Web Services (AWS), which emphasized the importance of neutral governance and a neutral forum for open source projects. She explained how this approach accelerates contributions, innovation, and collaboration.

Carter provided an overview of the major announcements made at the Open Source Summit in Vienna. Highlights included AWS’s launch of the OpenSearch Software Foundation, a new member benefit from Unified Patents for LF and CNCF members, and the release of Valkey 8.0. The Linux Foundation also introduced LF Decentralized Trust, focusing on blockchain and digital trust. Key topics like the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) compliance research and the growth of LF Europe were discussed. Global collaboration in open source was stressed, with initiatives such as the United Nations’ “OSPO for Good” event. Additionally, upcoming research reports, including the Open Source Maturity in Europe Report, were mentioned.

Open Source Summit Vienna: Introduction and Event Overview

• Carter expresses excitement about being in Vienna and mentions the positive turnout despite the weather.
• Carter reflects on the year since the last event in Bilbao, highlighting the continuity and growth of the open source community.

Announcements at the Event

• Carter announces the formation of the OpenSearch Software Foundation, contributed by AWS and announced by Nandini Ramani from AWS.
• The importance of neutral governance and forums for open source projects is emphasized, aiming to accelerate contributions and innovation.
• The OpenSearch project is designed to enhance search analytics and observability, with the Linux Foundation as its new home.
• Another announcement includes a new member benefit for LF and CNCF members from Unified Patents, aimed at mitigating patent aggression from non-practicing entities.

Unified Patents and Patent Aggression

• Carter discusses the partnership with Unified Patents, which has supported the Linux Foundation in combating patent aggression for five years.
• The benefits of the partnership include access to events, presentations, and insights about patent law, as well as the opportunity to display the Unified Patents logo on websites.
• The importance of the partnership in protecting open source projects from patent trolls is highlighted.
• Carter mentions the new releases from the Valkey project, showcasing its thriving community under the Linux Foundation.

LF Decentralized Trust and Hyperledger Foundation

• The keynote concluded with the announcement of LF Decentralized Trust, a new home for projects accelerating digital trust through blockchain, distributed ledger technology, identity credentials, and Web 3.
• Daniela Barbosa announced the evolution of the Hyperledger Foundation, emphasizing the importance of decentralized technologies.
• The involvement of government agencies like the Bank of Brazil in central bank projects and digital currencies is discussed.
• The goal is to create trust through code and efficiencies, with the Linux Foundation leading the way in decentralized technologies.

Patent Legislation and Industry Engagement

• Carter explains the community effort to combat patent trolls, including the Open Invention Network’s support for Unified Patents.
• The importance of keeping an eye on proposed changes to patent legislation is emphasized.
• The need for the community to pull together resources to protect open source projects from patent aggression is highlighted.

Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and Compliance

• Carter mentions that final language for the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is expected in the next several months, with the Linux Foundation conducting research on compliant projects.
• The goal is to help members and project communities stay apprised of the latest developments and ensure compliance with the CRA.
• The Linux Foundation will feature projects that have taken necessary steps to meet security best practices.

LF Europe and Global Open Source Ecosystem

• It has been two years since the Linux Foundation launched its European subsidiary, Linux Foundation Europe. Carter emphasizes its growth in projects, participating organizations, and staff headquartered in Europe.
• The goal is to nurture innovation in various sectors, particularly in the public sector, and encourage European collaboration.
• The recognition of open source by the United Nations and the push for open source policies in various jurisdictions is discussed.
• Carter emphasizes the global nature of the open source community, with contributions from all over the world.

• The recognition of open source by the United Nations and the push for open source policies in various jurisdictions is discussed.
• The goal is to nurture innovation in various sectors, particularly in the public sector, and encourage European collaboration.

OSPO and United Nations Event

• Carter describes the event, “OSPO for Good,” and the panel discussion on the opportunities for open source to drive sustainability.
• The panel will feature key findings and actionable recommendations for governments and open source communities.
• The event aims to accelerate the use of open source to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Research and Reports

• Carter mentions the upcoming release of about a dozen reports in Q4, including the Open Source Maturity in Europe Report.
• The report reflects the maturity of the open source ecosystem in Europe and its significance for European organizations.
• The report features personal testimonies and qualitative interviews, highlighting the importance of open source for organizations like Mercedes Benz.

Guest: Hilary Carter (LinkedIn)
Organization: Linux Foundation (Twitter)