OSD Process Working Group - DISCUSSION DRAFT

Last modified by superadmin on 2023/05/22 16:29

Goal

The goal of this working group is to research, clarify, and document the process by which the Open Source Definition (OSD) can be updated. A secondary goal is to better understand and document what other information besides the OSD the OSI relies on to certify a license. The working group does not intend to propose any changes to the OSD itself.

Start date

TBD

Initial members

Working Group Co-Chairs: Benjamin Nickolls / Tobie Langel

Working Group Sponsor: Deb Bryant

OSI General Manager:

Other Contributors: Kevin Fleming, McCoy Smith, Richard Fontana, Justin W. Flory, Ben Hilburn, Josh Simmons, Amanda Brock.

Resources needed by group

(mailing list, virtual server, budget, etc.)

  • Mailing list.
  • Archivable Github repo for project management.

Deliverable that will be created

What will be the output/takeaway/resource created by this Working Group?

  • A process for submitting, approving, and possibly appealing changes to the OSD (possibly including a distinction between substantive changes and minor, editorial ones).
  • A suggested implementation of that process using GitHub/GitLab/a self hosted Git server.
  • A suggested versioning/release scheme (or deliberate lack thereof; the tip of the main branch is the de facto standard, “living standard” style).
  • A set of recommendations about documentation of additional requirements (precedents / “case law”), to become OSI certified and a process to amend this documentation.
  • Clarify the licensing terms of the OSD itself. 

Description of how that deliverable satisfies a part of OSI's mission

Please review the OSI mission and then provide how this effort will align with the OSI's mandate.

Formalize the process around maintaining the OSD. Improves transparency and fairness.

Target completion date

When will you have something that can be used. Please note that the Working Group may continue on to enhance or add new outputs, however a date must be provided indicating when a usable resource will be available to the OSI community.

6 months after approval of the WG for a draft process to be submitted to the Board.

Resources