The Open Source Definition (Annotated)

Open source doesn't just mean access to the source code. The distribution terms of open-source software must comply with the following criteria:

The license shall not restrict any party from selling or giving away the software as a component of an aggregate software distribution containing programs from several different sources. The license shall not require a royalty or other fee for such sale.

OSI Top News

• Green Euro MP supports call for better access to OSS
• NPR station WBUR Boston adds support for free audio standard
• IOL Technology - South Africa adopts ODF as a national standard
• The Australian Open Source Industry & Community Report
• Open source on campus: The Stanford Open Source Lab
• Scientific study about Debian governance and organization
• Open Source Initiative (OSI) Announces Results of 2008 Board Election | Open Source Initiative
• Navy to focus only on open systems
• EU to consider buying open-source software - International Herald Tribune
• Firefox crosses 500 million download mark | Underexposed - CNET News.com

open source initiative

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 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.