Linux Foundation Launches Open Compliance Program

The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization, instrumental for the growth of Linux, recently unveiled the Open Compliance Program. The program offers compliance training, tools and  a standard format to report software information, consulting and a self-assessment checklist so that companies can comply with open source licenses.

As the demand for Linux and open source software in terms of Mobile and Consumer electronics products are growing day by day, there is a need for trusted , non-compliance program. It is very difficult to keep up with the code and licenses present in shipping products in today’s robust supply chain model. In order to address the issue, the Linux Foundation has developed a set of tools, training curricula and a new self-administered assessment checklist that will help companies meet open source license obligations in a cost-effective way. The program also comprises a new data exchange standard so companies and their suppliers can easily report software information in a standard way.

The key founding member for the program includes Adobe, AMD, ARM Limited, Cisco Systems, Google, HP, IBM, Intel, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Novell, Samsung, Software Freedom Law Center, Sony Electronics and more than 20 other companies and organizations.

“Our mission is to enable the expansion of free and open source software, so we created this program to give companies the information, tools and processes they need to get the most out of their investment, while maintaining compliance with the licenses governing the software,” said Jim Zemlin, executive director of The Linux foundation.