The OpenSSL Project, the custodian of the open-source OpenSSL
software library used for secure communication over the internet,
is announcing a change in its governance structure designed to
foster greater community involvement and more closely align with
its Mission and Values.
NEWARK,
Del., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The
OpenSSL Project, the custodian of the open-source OpenSSL software
library used for secure communication over the internet, is
announcing a change in its governance structure designed to foster
greater community involvement and more closely align with its
Mission and Values.
Changes in the governance structure:
- New Governance Framework: OpenSSL includes two
independent, co-equal entities to support the Mission: the OpenSSL
Foundation and the OpenSSL Corporation. The Foundation primarily
focuses on non-commercial communities, while the Corporation
primarily focuses on commercial communities. This balanced approach
ensures both entities can operate independently and make decisions
autonomously.
- Board of Directors and Members: The OpenSSL Management
Committee (OMC) has been dissolved, and two boards of directors
have been elected for the Foundation and the Corporation. There are
ten voting members for each organization. These boards share all
the responsibilities and authorities of the former OMC
co-equally.
- Community Advisory Committees: To further engage our
communities, we are establishing two advisory committees for each
entity: a Business Advisory Committee (BAC) and a Technical
Advisory Committee (TAC). The communities will elect the members of
the BACs and TACs, creating a direct channel for community input in
roadmap development and reflecting the diverse perspectives of
OpenSSL's communities.
- New Projects Under OpenSSL Mission: The Bouncy Castle
and cryptlib projects have adopted the OpenSSL Mission and Values.
Both projects are renowned cryptographic libraries that bring
valuable expertise and resources to our mission, broadening the
scope and impact of our work. Collaboration between the OpenSSL
Library, Bouncy Castle, and cryptlib will benefit all our
communities.
Support from the Foundation and the Corporation is available for
all projects under the OpenSSL Mission on an opt-in
(voluntary) basis.
Timeline and Future Plans:
- Business Advisory Committees for both entities will be
established by the end of October
2024.
- Technical Advisory Committees will be established by the end
of April 2025.
- The OpenSSL Technical Committee will be dissolved after
establishing all the Business and Technical Advisory
Committees.
- An OpenSSL user conference will be held in Europe in the last quarter of
2025.
"Our new governance structure has been designed to put our
communities at the heart of what we do and to help us achieve our
mission," said Matt Caswell, president of the OpenSSL Software
Foundation. "I am delighted that Bouncy Castle and cryptlib have
also signed up to our Mission. I am looking forward to our future
collaboration with these projects."
"OpenSSL as a project would not exist without the contributions
of communities, companies and individuals over the past 25 years. I
would encourage any community member to stand for one of the
advisory committees to represent the views and needs of the
communities," noted Tim Hudson,
president of the OpenSSL Software Services. "These changes aim to
better utilize our resources, foster closer engagement with our
communities, and expand collaboration with like-minded projects
that share our mission and values."
For more information about the current board of directors,
advisory committees, and detailed governance changes, please visit
our Blog or contact us at marcom@openssl.org.
Contact:
Hana Andersen - MarCom Manager
Kajal Sapkota - MarCom
Specialist
***@openssl.org
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