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CodePlex.org: An Open Source Foundation Funded by Microsoft

By Barb Mosher  | Published Sep 14, 2009   Comments  5 comments

Microsoft Announces CodePlex.org, An Open Source Foundation It's been a busy couple of weeks in the news for Microsoft and its continued efforts towards interoperability. It started with news that Microsoft was selling some Linux patents to a third party — the end result not looking really positive for them.

But it ended with the announcement of a new not-for-profit foundation based on the CodePlex brand.

The CodePlex Foundation

Was it only a matter of time before we saw something like this come from Microsoft? Since 2006 they have had CodePlex.com, a hosted platform for Microsoft-based open source projects. To take that a step further with the introduction of an open source foundation doesn't really seem that surprising.

Especially with Sam Ramji as the interim President. Has it not been Ramji's objective to push Microsoft towards greater interoperability? (Mind you, that's no longer his job.)

While it's true that although Microsoft has funded this new organization, they do not "own" or "run it". But you still know they are involved and that will affect how the open source community receives this new foundation.

The foundation's mission is "enabling the exchange of code and understanding among software companies and open source communities". And although many — but not all — foundations are based on a specific platform or application, CodePlex.org is not.

Instead it has a broader goal, covering all types of software projects, all with an eye to the licensing and intellectual property needs of commercial software vendors.

Introducing The CodePlex Foundation

A Work in Progress

The set-up of the CodePlex.org foundation is still a work in progress. What we know is that the foundation is looking for input from the open source community to finalize its plans. This includes:

  • Determining Board Members and Advisory Board members
  • Modification of by-laws and other governing documents
  • Creation of Foundation's Charter

The Charter will indicate what projects will be considered and the process required to get them under the Foundation's microscope. The plan is that projects will cover software other than Microsoft's will be included.

Along with Ramji, current interim board members include Shawn Walker, co-founder of open source Web CMS DotNetNuke, Bill Staples, D. Britton Johnston and Stephanie Davies Boesch from Microsoft, and Miguel de Icaza from Novell.

The Advisory Board currently includes Aaron Fulkerson of MindTouch and Phil Haack of Microsoft, among others. For his part, Haack seems very excited about this new foundation:

"If the foundation succeeds in its mission, I believe it will open the doors for Microsoft to collaborate with and encourage the .NET open source ecosystem in a more meaningful manner. I don’t know what shape that will take in the end, but I believe that removing roadblocks to Microsoft’s participation is required and a great first step."

Well Funded, Opportunity Abounds

Microsoft has offered up US$ 1 million in funding for the CodePlex.org foundation. That's a nice chunk of change to get things started.

The next few weeks should see the ironing out the details for this new foundation and we should start to really see what opportunity comes with it.

We'll be watching to see how the open source community reaches out to support this new foundation.

 

 

 
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5 Reader Comments

1 | Goblin — November 10, 2009 5:05 PM

Just like you to make a correct to this article of yours.

I do not represent the FOSS community, I represent my own views/opinions.

Please do not also suggest that just because its Microsoft, the open source community will be against it. (although who can blame people for being dubious when Ballmer makes comments about cancer in respect of it)

I am not critical of Apple or Google and they are both large firms (since its also suggested FOSS supporters hate large business) The reason why Im critical of Microsoft products is because I was burned by them AND FOR ME they are not fit for purpose. I cannot say the same about Apple or Google.

Just like I wouldn't say this site represents those who support proprietary “expeditions” into the world of FOSS, please do not seek to generalize me or anyone else merely because our choices in software differ from yours.

NOTE: Incase you decide not to print this a screengrab has been taken.

Regards
Goblin.

2 | astralknight — November 11, 2009 5:47 PM

Oooh, screengrab! If they want to delete your comment on THEIR OWN SITE then they will.

3 | Brice Dunwoodie (CMSWire.com) — November 11, 2009 6:45 PM

@Goblin I actually don't understand your comment above. But if you want re-state your feedback, please feel free to email us. You can do so from here: http://www.cmswire.com/about/#contact

4 | Santos — November 11, 2009 7:00 PM

“Goblin” seems to be one of Roy Schestowit'z little associates… they're everywhere, it seems. Search google for “boycottnovell spam”.

5 | Goblin — November 12, 2009 6:10 AM

“@Goblin I actually don't understand your comment above. But if you want re-state your feedback, please feel free to email us. You can do so from here:”

You don't? Strange then that my comment was moderated and then it took a whole day for you to put that question.

Let me keep it simple. You said:

“But you still know they are involved and that will affect how the open source community receives this new foundation.”

Then linked to my site. That to me (if I was a casual reader) that the site linked was representative of the FOSS community. If you really want me to tell you what you SHOULD have said, it should have been something like:

But you still know they are involved and that will affect how the open source community receives this new foundation? heres one users view. (and then add the link)

Thats basics IMO and I simply had a problem with the inference that I represent anyone else's opinion other than my own.

I hope thats cleared up now.

Goblin
http://www.openbytes.wordpress.com

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