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Explore 10 open source policy templates and examples for managing risks associated with open source software. Choose the best template for your organization's needs.
Organizations need open source policies to safely use open source software (OSS). These policies outline rules and best practices for:
- Using OSS
- Contributing to OSS projects
- Creating new OSS
Open source policies help manage risks like:
| Risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Codebase | Vulnerabilities or quality issues in OSS code |
| Data Leakage | Sensitive data exposure through OSS usage |
| Dependency | Risks from relying on external OSS dependencies |
| Legal | License compliance and intellectual property issues |
| Operational | Operational risks from using unsupported OSS |
| Reputational | Damage to the organization's reputation |
The following templates provide guidelines for open source usage, contributions, and governance:
| Template | Focus | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Buffer Open Source Guide | Collaborating with community | Contributor expectations, OSPO role |
| Citi Guidelines | Contributing to projects | Contributor rules, license compliance, IP protection |
| eBay Open Source Website | Managing projects | Project management, community engagement, license compliance |
| GitLab Team Handbook | Collaborating on projects | Collaboration guidelines, contributor expectations, community engagement |
| Google OSPO Policies | Governing projects | Policy governance, license compliance, IP protection |
| Linux Foundation Template | Approving projects | Project approval, license compliance, IP protection |
| Microsoft Program | Managing projects | Project management, community engagement, license compliance |
| Red Hat Guidelines | Participating in projects | Participation guidelines, contributor expectations, community engagement |
| SUSE Policy | Governing projects | Policy governance, license compliance, IP protection |
| Yahoo Guide | Community collaboration | Contributor expectations, OSPO role |
Choose the template that best aligns with your organization's open source strategy and requirements.
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1. Buffer Open Source Guide
Policy Scope
Buffer's Open Source Guide outlines the company's approach to:
- Developing open source software
- Contributing to open source projects
- Using open source software
Key Points
- Buffer encourages contributing to existing open source projects over creating new ones.
- Employees can have their names attached to their contributions while Buffer retains the copyright.
- Projects are released under appropriate open source licenses.
Implementation
To implement this policy, Buffer:
1. Develops software openly whenever possible.
2. Releases code under suitable open source licenses.
3. Obtains copyright transfer when procuring code development.
This approach promotes collaboration, innovation, and community engagement while managing risks associated with open source software usage.
2. Citi Free and Open Source Software Contribution Guidelines
Policy Scope
Citi's guidelines cover:
- Contributing to open source projects
- Using open source software
- Developing free and open source software
Key Points
| Guideline | Details |
|---|---|
| Employee Contributions | Employees are encouraged to contribute to open source projects, fostering collaboration and innovation. |
| Approval Required | Employees must obtain approval before contributing to open source projects. |
| Copyright Ownership | Citi retains the copyright to all employee contributions. |
Implementation
To implement these guidelines, Citi:
1. Has a review process for open source project contributions. 2. Ensures employees understand open source license terms and conditions. 3. Monitors and tracks employee contributions to open source projects.
This approach promotes a collaborative culture while managing risks associated with open source software usage.
3. eBay Open Source Website
What It Covers
eBay's open source website is a hub for developers to contribute to the company's open source projects. It promotes open source development and collaboration.
Key Features
The website features a collection of eBay's open source projects that are open for contributions from developers. It provides resources and guidelines to help developers get started with contributing.
How It Works
To implement its open source policy, eBay:
1. Encourages Contributions: Developers are encouraged to contribute to eBay's open source projects, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
2. Provides Resources: The website offers resources and guidelines to help developers contribute to eBay's open source projects.
3. Fosters Community-Driven Development: Contributions are reviewed and approved in a timely manner, promoting a community-driven approach to open source development.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Collection | A collection of eBay's open source projects open for contributions. |
| Getting Started Guides | Resources and guidelines to help developers contribute to projects. |
| Contribution Review | Contributions are reviewed and approved, fostering community-driven development. |
4. GitLab Team Handbook
Open Source Policy Overview
GitLab's Team Handbook provides guidelines for employees on open source development, contributions, and usage. The policy covers:
- Open-sourcing projects
- Contributing to third-party open source projects
- Using open source libraries
Key Guidelines
Open-Sourcing Projects
- Considerations for licensing, publication, and approvals
- Procedures for open-sourcing projects
Contributing to Open Source
- Contributor license agreements
- Merge request processes for third-party projects
Using Open Source Libraries
- List of acceptable and unacceptable licenses
- Email address for inquiries about license usage
Implementation
To implement their open source policy, GitLab:
-
Encourages Open Source Development
- Provides resources and guidelines for open-sourcing projects
-
Promotes Community Collaboration
- Timely contribution reviews and approvals
- Community-driven approach to open source development
-
Offers Clear Licensing Guidelines
- Outlines acceptable and unacceptable licenses
- Ensures awareness of implications when using open source libraries
| Guideline | Details |
|---|---|
| Open-Sourcing | Guidelines for licensing, publication, and approvals |
| Contributing | Contributor agreements and merge request processes |
| Using Libraries | List of acceptable/unacceptable licenses, inquiry email |
5. Google OSPO Policies
What the Policies Cover
Google's Open Source Program Office (OSPO) policies provide guidelines for:
- Open-sourcing code
- Contributing to open-source projects
- Using open-source libraries
- Participating in hackathons
The policies ensure Google's open-source activities align with the company's goals and values.
Key Guidelines
| Guideline | Details |
|---|---|
| Open-Sourcing Code | Detailed guidelines for open-sourcing code |
| Contributing | Guidelines for contributing to open-source projects |
| Using Libraries | Acceptable and unacceptable licenses for open-source libraries |
| Inclusive Language | Using inclusive language in open-source projects and communities |
| Code of Conduct | Code of conduct for open-source projects and communities |
| Security | Security policy for open-source projects and libraries |
Implementation
1. Resources and Guidelines
Google provides resources and guidelines for employees to:
- Open-source code
- Contribute to open-source projects
- Use open-source libraries
2. Community Collaboration
Google encourages community collaboration and participation in open-source projects and communities.
3. Review and Approval
Google reviews and approves open-source projects to ensure they align with the company's goals and values.
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6. Linux Foundation Open Source Approval Form Template
What It Covers
The Linux Foundation Open Source Approval Form Template helps companies establish a process for reviewing and approving the use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in their products.
Key Details
The template requires the following information for FOSS usage requests:
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| FOSS Component | The open source software being requested |
| Product Usage | The product and context where it will be used |
| Licensing | The licensing terms and conditions |
| Risks and Mitigation | Potential risks and strategies to address them |
How to Use It
To implement this template, companies should:
1. Establish a Review Process
- Set up an Open Source Review Board (OSRB) to evaluate FOSS requests
- Define a clear process for submitting and reviewing requests
2. Provide Training and Resources
- Train developers and reviewers on using the template
- Offer resources on FOSS compliance and risk management
3. Document and Track Approvals
- Maintain records of all approved FOSS components
- Track usage to ensure compliance with licensing terms
7. Microsoft Open Source Program
What It Covers
The Microsoft Open Source Program provides guidelines for using and contributing to open source software within the company. It aims to:
- Allow employees to contribute to open source projects
- Protect Microsoft's intellectual property
- Ensure compliance with open source licenses
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Registration & Approval | All open source components must be registered and approved before use. |
| Distribution Requirements | Employees must comply with requirements like generating NOTICE files and providing source code when distributing open source components. |
| Contribution Guidelines | Guidelines for contributing to open source projects, including contribution policy, small changes, and larger changes. |
| Compliance | Ensures all open source components comply with relevant licenses and regulations. |
Implementation Guidelines
1. Establish a Clear Policy
Develop a clear policy for using and contributing to open source software within the company.
2. Provide Training and Resources
Offer training and resources to employees on:
- Open source compliance
- Risk management
- Contribution guidelines
3. Establish a Review Process
Set up a review process for open source requests, including:
- A clear process for submitting requests
- A process for reviewing requests
4. Document and Track Approvals
- Maintain records of all approved open source components
- Track usage to ensure compliance with licensing terms
8. Red Hat Open Source Participation Guidelines
What the Guidelines Cover
The Red Hat Open Source Participation Guidelines outline the company's approach to contributing to and participating in open source projects. The guidelines cover:
- Contributing changes and improvements to open source projects before including them in Red Hat products ("upstream first")
- Contributing to existing open source projects, including those led by competitors
- Considering existing open source alternatives before starting new projects
Key Points
| Guideline | Details |
|---|---|
| Upstream First | Red Hat aims to contribute changes and improvements to open source projects before including them in their products. |
| Contributing to Existing Projects | Red Hat associates are free to participate in and contribute to existing open source projects, even those led by competitors. |
| Starting New Projects | Associates are encouraged to consider existing open source alternatives before starting new projects. |
Implementation
1. Understand the Guidelines
Familiarize yourself with the Red Hat Open Source Participation Guidelines to ensure compliance with the company's open source policies.
2. Participate Actively
Encourage active participation in open source projects, including:
- Contributing code
- Reporting bugs
- Engaging with the community
3. Respect Upstream Projects
Ensure that contributions to upstream projects follow the project's guidelines and governance model.
4. Document Contributions
Maintain records of contributions made to open source projects, including:
- Code changes
- Bug reports
- Community engagement
9. SUSE Open Source Policy
What It Covers
The SUSE Open Source Policy provides guidelines for:
- Managing open source software code
- Using the Open Build Service
- Conducting legal reviews
Key Points
| Guideline | Details |
|---|---|
| Source Code Management | Keep a copy of the source code for all redistributed software. Create a bill of materials. Follow the "Upstream First" approach. |
| Open Build Service | Use the Open Build Service to reduce maintenance effort and leverage the community ("Factory First" approach). |
| Legal Reviews | Conduct legal reviews of distributed code to ensure compliance with open source licenses and identify any legal issues. |
Implementation
To follow the SUSE Open Source Policy, contributors should:
1. Study Project Guidelines
- Understand the contribution guidelines for the specific project.
- Familiarize yourself with the project structure, upstream, and related processes.
2. Contribute to Upstream Projects
- Follow the guidelines for contributing to open source projects for all individual upstream projects.
3. Conduct Legal Reviews
- Review the code being distributed to ensure compliance with open source licenses.
- Identify and address any legal issues.
10. Yahoo Open Source Guide
What It Covers
The Yahoo Open Source Guide provides a framework for managing open source projects within the company. It covers:
- Collaborating with the open source community
- Expectations for contributors
- The role of the Open Source Program Office (OSPO)
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Community Collaboration | Encourages working with the open source community to solve shared problems |
| Contributor Expectations | Outlines expectations for contributors, including following the Code of Conduct and open source principles |
| OSPO Role | Defines the OSPO's role in governing, managing, and supporting open source projects |
Implementation Guidelines
To effectively implement the Yahoo Open Source Guide:
-
Collaborate with the Community: Encourage open communication and collaboration with the open source community to drive innovation and solve shared problems.
-
Set Clear Contributor Expectations: Ensure contributors understand the expectations and guidelines for participating in open source projects, including following the Code of Conduct.
-
Utilize the OSPO: Use the OSPO to provide governance, management, and support for open source projects, ensuring compliance with open source licenses and company policies.
Policy Feature Comparison
When choosing an open source policy template, consider the key features and guidelines of each option. Here's a comparison:
| Template | Policy Focus | Key Features | Implementation Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffer Open Source Guide | Collaborating with open source community | Community collaboration, contributor expectations, Open Source Program Office (OSPO) role | Collaborate with community, set contributor expectations, utilize OSPO |
| Citi Guidelines | Contributing to open source projects | Contributor guidelines, license compliance, intellectual property protection | Follow contributor guidelines, comply with licenses, protect intellectual property |
| eBay Open Source Website | Managing open source projects | Project management, community engagement, license compliance | Manage projects, engage community, comply with licenses |
| GitLab Team Handbook | Collaborating on open source projects | Collaboration guidelines, contributor expectations, community engagement | Collaborate effectively, set contributor expectations, engage community |
| Google OSPO Policies | Governing open source projects | Policy governance, license compliance, intellectual property protection | Govern policies, comply with licenses, protect intellectual property |
| Linux Foundation Template | Approving open source projects | Project approval, license compliance, intellectual property protection | Approve projects, comply with licenses, protect intellectual property |
| Microsoft Program | Managing open source projects | Project management, community engagement, license compliance | Manage projects, engage community, comply with licenses |
| Red Hat Guidelines | Participating in open source projects | Participation guidelines, contributor expectations, community engagement | Participate effectively, set contributor expectations, engage community |
| SUSE Policy | Governing open source projects | Policy governance, license compliance, intellectual property protection | Govern policies, comply with licenses, protect intellectual property |
| Yahoo Guide | Collaborating with open source community | Community collaboration, contributor expectations, OSPO role | Collaborate with community, set contributor expectations, utilize OSPO |
This table provides an overview of each template's key features and implementation guidelines. Compare these to choose the best fit for your organization's open source policy needs.
Choosing the Right Open Source Policy
Selecting the right open source policy template is crucial for your organization. With the various options available, you need to consider your specific needs, goals, and requirements. Each template has unique features, guidelines, and implementation strategies, so evaluate them carefully.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Type of Open Source Projects: Will your organization contribute to existing projects, create new ones, or manage internal projects?
- Community Engagement: How much collaboration and interaction with the open source community is needed?
- License Compliance and IP Protection: Do you require strict adherence to licensing terms and safeguarding of intellectual property?
- Open Source Program Office (OSPO) Role: What role will the OSPO play in governing open source projects?
Comparing Policy Templates
To help you choose, here's a comparison of the key features and implementation guidelines for each template:
| Template | Focus | Key Features | Implementation Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffer Open Source Guide | Community collaboration | Contributor expectations, OSPO role | Collaborate with community, set contributor rules, utilize OSPO |
| Citi Guidelines | Contributing to projects | Contributor guidelines, license compliance, IP protection | Follow contributor rules, comply with licenses, protect IP |
| eBay Open Source Website | Managing projects | Project management, community engagement, license compliance | Manage projects, engage community, comply with licenses |
| GitLab Team Handbook | Collaborating on projects | Collaboration guidelines, contributor expectations, community engagement | Collaborate effectively, set contributor rules, engage community |
| Google OSPO Policies | Governing projects | Policy governance, license compliance, IP protection | Govern policies, comply with licenses, protect IP |
| Linux Foundation Template | Approving projects | Project approval, license compliance, IP protection | Approve projects, comply with licenses, protect IP |
| Microsoft Program | Managing projects | Project management, community engagement, license compliance | Manage projects, engage community, comply with licenses |
| Red Hat Guidelines | Participating in projects | Participation guidelines, contributor expectations, community engagement | Participate effectively, set contributor rules, engage community |
| SUSE Policy | Governing projects | Policy governance, license compliance, IP protection | Govern policies, comply with licenses, protect IP |
| Yahoo Guide | Community collaboration | Contributor expectations, OSPO role | Collaborate with community, set contributor rules, utilize OSPO |
Review this table to identify the template that best aligns with your organization's open source strategy and requirements.
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